Who is responsible for fixing my AC's musty smell?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility for fixing an AC's musty smell typically falls on the landlord, as per Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007). The law obligates landlords to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes ensuring all installed appliances like the central AC system are in good working order. You are responsible for routine maintenance like filter changes, which you’ve already done.

The damp, musty odor you describe is a classic symptom of microbial growth—either mould or bacteria—within the AC’s evaporator coils or drip pan. Dubai’s intense humidity, especially during summer months, creates ideal conditions for this. When the unit cycles off, residual moisture inside the system combines with the ever-present dust to form a biofilm, which is then blown out as a musty smell when it restarts.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, as this creates a record of your request. They are generally responsible for arranging and paying for the diagnostic and repair work. For a smell this persistent, a standard vent cleaning is insufficient. The system needs a professional inspection, often involving an internal camera, to locate the source of the biological contamination.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai. Be prepared to show your written communication. A proper fix involves a deep clean of the entire air handling unit with EPA-approved disinfectants, not just a superficial spray. In severe cases where the ductwork itself is contaminated, more extensive remediation might be necessary. The goal is to remove the biofilm, not just mask the odor.