Should I worry about musty smells from ducts?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed a musty smell coming from the vents in my rental apartment's living room. The AC filters seem clean enough, but the smell persists. My landlord hasn't mentioned anything about duct cleaning before, and I’m not sure if it’s something they are responsible for or if it might be due to an issue with the ducts themselves. Should I bring this up with them, or could there be another explanation?
Posted by Maria Nowak
Asked on December 9, 2025 8:56 am
0
Absolutely, it's wise to be concerned about musty smells coming from your ducts. In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, where we experience periods of high humidity and occasional rain, such odors can indicate a few potential issues that need attention.

Firstly, you should consider that the smell could be due to dampness or mold growth within the HVAC system or its ductwork. This is especially common after rain events like those you experienced last month. The musty odor often signals an environment where moisture has accumulated and created conditions favorable for mold proliferation.

In Dubai, as per local building codes and guidelines, it's generally the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the building maintains a safe and healthy environment. However, regular maintenance including duct cleaning is not always mandatory unless there are specific issues or complaints like yours.

Given your situation, I recommend bringing this matter up with your landlord. They should be aware of potential health concerns related to mold exposure. If they don’t take immediate action, it’s crucial that you consider having a professional inspection done. This way, any underlying problems can be identified and addressed promptly.

For instance, Saniservice provides comprehensive indoor air quality assessments and duct cleaning services in the UAE. Their expertise could help pinpoint the exact cause of the smell and provide solutions to prevent future occurrences. You might want to reach out by calling 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for a consultation.

Remember, maintaining good indoor air quality is not only about comfort but also about health. Mold exposure can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems, so it's important to address this as soon as possible.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on December 13, 2025 9:26 pm