Is bedroom black mold causing my health issues?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a bit for a couple of months, and now I've found patches of black mold on the back of the wardrobe and the wall behind it. Lately, I've been waking up with a stuffy nose, a sore throat, and this weird fatigue that just won't shift. I'm really worried this is connected. How dangerous is this type of mold and what's the most effective way to get my landlord to take this seriously and fix it properly?
Posted by Piotr Esposito
Asked on March 26, 2026 10:20 am
Based on your description, the connection between the AC leak and your health symptoms is highly probable. The black mold growth behind your wardrobe is a classic indicator of a chronic moisture issue, which in Dubai's climate is frequently caused by AC condensate leaks or excessive humidity leading to condensation on cold surfaces. The symptoms you describe—chronic stuffy nose, sore throat, and persistent fatigue—are common physiological responses to prolonged exposure to mold spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) released by active colonies.

The specific type of mold (e.g., Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly called "black mold," or Aspergillus niger) can only be confirmed through professional air and surface sampling and laboratory analysis. Certain species are more toxigenic than others, but any persistent mold growth in an indoor environment is unacceptable and a known health hazard, particularly in a sleeping area where exposure is prolonged.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, your landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. This includes addressing the source of moisture (the leaking AC unit) and the resultant mold contamination, which is a health and safety issue.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the colony without proper containment can aerosolize a high concentration of spores, exacerbating your health issues and contaminating other areas.

Your immediate action should be to formally document the issue with photographs and a written notice to your landlord or property management company. We strongly recommend you engage a professional environmental inspection company like Saniservice. A certified inspector will conduct a thorough assessment, identify the exact moisture source, perform air quality and surface sampling to speciate the mold and determine the spore count, and provide a detailed remediation protocol. This certified report will provide the necessary evidence to compel your landlord to execute a proper and permanent fix.

For immediate professional inspection and testing, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 27, 2026 3:29 pm