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After the rain last month, I noticed a persistent damp smell in the living room, especially when we first turned on the air conditioning. My landlord mentioned that the building is old but didn't say anything about regular duct cleaning. Should I bring this up or does that fall under his maintenance responsibilities?
Posted by Ewa Bianchi
Asked on February 2, 2026 11:17 pm
0
Duct cleaning is indeed a critical aspect of maintaining indoor environmental quality and it may or may not fall under the landlord's maintenance responsibilities depending on local regulations and what was agreed upon. In the UAE, specifically Dubai, there are no strict federal laws mandating regular duct cleaning for residential properties. However, landlords are expected to ensure that their buildings meet certain standards of habitability, which includes a clean and hygienic environment.

The issue you're experiencing with the damp smell in your living room when turning on the air conditioning can be indicative of a few potential problems. One common cause could be water-damaged ductwork or condensation buildup within the duct system, especially after a heavy rainfall like what we saw last month. This can lead to mold growth which is not only unpleasant but also potentially harmful.

Given your situation, it would be prudent to bring this up with your landlord. While they may argue that regular cleaning isn't their responsibility, pointing out the smell and the potential health risks associated with it might prompt them to take action. You could suggest a professional inspection to identify the exact cause of the odor as well as any necessary remediation.

If you decide not to address this directly with your landlord or if the issue persists despite communication, it's advisable to seek help from an independent environmental service provider like us at Saniservice. We can perform a thorough assessment and recommend appropriate cleaning measures if needed. Our services are available by calling 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or emailing hello@saniservice.com.

Remember, in the UAE, especially considering the climate conditions we have here, it’s crucial to maintain a clean duct system to ensure optimal air quality and energy efficiency. Regular inspections can help prevent issues from escalating into more serious problems down the line.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 7, 2026 5:05 pm