AC mold causing sickness: call landlord or inspector first?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms you're describing—persistent stuffy nose and headaches—and the visible black mold growth from an AC leak, this is an urgent health and safety issue that requires immediate professional attention. In the UAE's climate, a small water leak creates a perfect breeding ground for mold, and the types commonly found here, like Aspergillus and Stachybotrys (black mold), can cause significant respiratory issues and allergic reactions, exactly as you're experiencing.

Your first call should absolutely be to a certified mold inspection and testing company, not the landlord. Here's why: A professional inspector will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality sampling, to determine the full extent of the contamination, even inside the walls. This provides you with an independent, scientific report that documents the cause (the AC leak) and the health hazard present. This report is your strongest leverage when dealing with the landlord or building management, as it proves the severity of the issue and holds them accountable for proper remediation under UAE tenancy laws, which typically hold landlords responsible for structural maintenance issues like AC repairs.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize the spores, drastically worsening your indoor air quality and your symptoms.

For a situation this advanced, with clear health impacts, I strongly recommend you get a professional inspection report in hand first. You can reach our certified team for an emergency assessment at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide the documentation you need to ensure the landlord addresses not just the leak, but the dangerous mold contamination it has caused.