Is AC mold cleaning landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility typically falls on the landlord to maintain the main AC unit and its core components, including the internal cooling coil and the ductwork running inside the walls. This is generally considered part of the property's essential systems. The tenant is usually responsible for replaceable air filters and basic upkeep.

Your persistent musty smell, especially after changing filters, strongly indicates microbial growth inside the unit or the ducts, which is a health and maintenance issue for the property owner. Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use create perfect conditions for this. First, report the issue in writing to your landlord or property management company, citing the smell and its duration. Reference your tenancy contract, but also know that Dubai Rental Law often implies a landlord's duty to provide habitable conditions, which includes functional, odor-free air conditioning.

If they are unresponsive, a professional inspection can identify the source. For a smell this persistent, a surface clean won't suffice; the internal evaporator coil and drain pan need a deep clean with antimicrobial treatment. Since this involves dismantling the unit, it's a landlord responsibility. You can suggest they hire a provider that offers before-and-after surface swab testing to verify the reduction of microbial activity, as this provides concrete evidence the problem was resolved.