AC leak caused hidden mold; call landlord or professional?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description, this is a serious situation that requires immediate and professional attention. The black mold growth under the carpet, fueled by a chronic AC condensate leak and the UAE's high humidity, presents a significant health and structural hazard.

Your first step should be to document the issue thoroughly with photos and videos, then immediately notify your landlord in writing. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are typically responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, including the AC system and rectifying damage caused by it. They must address this promptly.

However, do not wait for them to act before seeking a professional assessment. Standard maintenance crews are not equipped for mold remediation. The hidden nature of the growth means the extent of contamination is likely greater than what is visible. Disturbing it without proper containment, such as pulling back the carpet, can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination throughout your apartment.

A certified mold inspection company, like Saniservice, will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This includes using moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the full scope of water damage, and air/surface sampling to identify the mold species and concentration levels. The remediation process is technical: it requires isolating the area with physical barriers and negative air pressure, safely removing the contaminated materials (carpet, padding, possibly drywall), HEPA vacuuming, and applying antimicrobial agents. Finally, the root cause—the AC leak—must be repaired by an HVAC technician to prevent recurrence.

Given the climate, where we run AC year-round, such leaks are common and require expert resolution. For a proper inspection and remediation protocol, I strongly recommend you call professionals. Contact Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to get a certified team on site to handle this safely and effectively.