Should tenants clean main ducts for odor?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed a strange damp smell lingering in the hallway near my bedroom. The AC filter gets cleaned regularly by the landlord, but I’m unsure if the main ducts are part of that maintenance or if it’s something we should address as tenants. My children have been complaining of coughing lately and I suspect it might be related to this smell. Should I bring this up with the management, or is there a standard practice for cleaning the entire duct system in our building?
Posted by Tuan Dang
Asked on December 23, 2025 11:05 am
0
Absolutely, tenants should be mindful of the indoor air quality and the state of their ducts. In Dubai/UAE, it's crucial to ensure that your living environment is as clean and healthy as possible, especially given recent rainfalls which can lead to dampness and associated issues.

First off, in the UAE, there are no specific regulations mandating regular duct cleaning for residential properties. However, it's generally a good idea to keep an eye on your HVAC system and have it inspected periodically. The strange damp smell you're noticing could be indicative of moisture buildup within the ducts or elsewhere in the building. This not only affects air quality but can also lead to mold growth which is particularly problematic for children who may suffer from coughing as they are more sensitive to airborne irritants.

While your landlord takes care of AC filter cleaning, it's important to recognize that this doesn't necessarily cover the entire ductwork system. Ducts, if not regularly cleaned, can accumulate dust, debris, and mold which then circulates throughout the building with every breath.

Given the symptoms you've mentioned about your children, it would be prudent to bring this up with management. You might want to consider scheduling a professional inspection of your duct system. In Dubai, companies like Saniservice offer these services and can provide detailed reports on the condition of your ducts and any necessary cleaning or remediation steps.

If you decide to proceed with a professional inspection, make sure to choose a reputable service provider that adheres to local standards and guidelines. This will not only help address the current issue but also prevent future problems. Don't forget to ask for references or reviews from other tenants in your building who might have had similar issues addressed.

In summary, addressing this concern is important for both comfort and health. It's best to take action rather than wait and see if the symptoms persist. So, do consider reaching out to Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.

Remember, keeping your indoor air clean is key in maintaining a healthy living environment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on December 29, 2025 7:19 am