Should dirty ducts cause a musty smell?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed a persistent musty smell coming from the air vents in my bedroom. My landlord mentioned that they handle most of the maintenance, but I’m not sure if duct cleaning falls under that. Have we lived here for 2 years and just noticed this smell because of dirty ducts? What should I do about it?
Posted by Shweta Bose
Asked on January 8, 2026 6:23 pm
0
Dirty ducts can indeed be the source of that musty smell. In dubai and other parts of the uae, it's quite common to find such issues due to the climate and the nature of building HVAC systems. The persistent dampness after rain can lead to mold growth within your air ducts, especially if they're not properly sealed or cleaned.

in dubai, it is regulated that regular maintenance and cleaning of air conditioning units and their related components are essential for maintaining indoor environmental quality (ieq). however, the responsibility might fall on the landlord as per the terms of your lease agreement. nonetheless, given the age of your residence and the recent change in smell, it's prudent to have a professional inspection done.

if you're not sure about the specifics of your maintenance contract or if the musty smell continues, i'd recommend calling 800-molds or emailing hello@saniservice.com for a consultation. they can assess the condition of your ductwork and advise on necessary cleaning or remediation steps to ensure a healthier living environment.

don't delay in addressing this issue as mold spores can spread quickly through an air conditioning system, affecting not just the bedroom but potentially the entire house. keeping your indoor air clean is crucial for both comfort and health.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 10, 2026 11:28 am