How do I get my landlord to fix AC mold?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah seems to be leaking a bit of water onto the carpet, and now for the past week there's been a strange, damp smell in the living room. My husband has started waking up with a sore throat and a stuffy nose every morning, which clears up after he's at work. I'm worried the dampness is causing mold and making us sick. What are the exact steps involved in getting our landlord to properly fix this and check for mold?
Posted by Thomas Miller
Asked on March 14, 2026 3:52 am
Good afternoon. This is a very common issue we see in Dubai, especially in older buildings in areas like Jumeirah. The combination of high humidity and AC condensation creates a perfect environment for microbial growth. Your husband's symptoms are a classic indicator of exposure to mold spores or mycotoxins, which are most concentrated in the overnight hours.

Here are the exact steps to escalate this with your landlord:

1. Formal Written Notification: Immediately send a dated email or registered letter (for proof) to your landlord or property management company. Clearly describe the AC leak, the persistent damp smell, and the adverse health effects. Cite your right to a habitable premises as per Dubai rental law.

2. Request a Professional Assessment: Do not accept a simple handyman fix. Politely but firmly insist that they engage a certified indoor environmental professional to conduct a proper inspection. This should include moisture mapping and, if necessary, air or surface sampling to identify the type and concentration of mold. A general AC technician will not have this expertise.

3. Remediation Protocol: If mold is confirmed, remediation must follow strict protocols: containment of the affected area, use of HEPA filtration devices, proper removal of contaminated materials (like that section of carpet and its underlay), and hygienization of the AC unit and ducts. Simply wiping visible mold is ineffective and dangerous.

Given the health symptoms, this is urgent. If your landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. However, for a definitive assessment and a report you can present to your landlord, I highly recommend getting a professional inspection yourself.

Call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a comprehensive assessment and a detailed report that clearly outlines the necessary corrective actions, which often motivates landlords to act promptly to avoid legal escalation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 15, 2026 10:49 am