Is AC mold smell my responsibility or landlord's?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility depends on the cause of the leak, but the persistent smell indicates microbial growth that requires professional remediation.

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its core systems, including the central AC and its components. A leak from the AC unit itself or its condensate drain line is typically considered a maintenance issue for the owner. Your responsibility is to report issues in a timely manner. However, if the leak was caused by tenant damage or a clear lack of reporting that led to significant damage, the cost could be disputed.

Given the climate, this is urgent. The high humidity here allows mould to proliferate rapidly inside ductwork and the AC evaporator coil once moisture is present. The smell spreading confirms it is no longer a superficial issue. A simple cleaning won't suffice; the system needs a proper inspection to locate all microbial reservoirs.

First, formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) about the smell and its progression, mentioning potential health risks and that the leak is the suspected cause. Request a professional inspection to assess the source of the leak and the extent of mould contamination. For a case this advanced, a company with diagnostic capabilities can use borescopes and surface sampling to document the issue for the landlord, which is more persuasive than describing a smell. The remediation should address the moisture source first, then the contaminated AC and ductwork.