AC leak caused mold and sickness, DIY or call management?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom in our Dubai Marina apartment has been leaking a little, and now I've spotted black patches of mold starting to grow on the wall behind the headboard. For the last week, both my husband and I have been waking up with stuffy noses and sore throats. What's the fastest and safest way to clean this ourselves, or should I just call the building management immediately?
Posted by Jason Allen
Asked on March 19, 2026 6:20 pm
Based on your description, this is a situation that requires immediate professional attention and should not be handled as a DIY project. The symptoms you and your husband are experiencing—stuffy noses and sore throats—are classic indicators of exposure to mold mycotoxins, commonly associated with Stachybotrys chartarum (the "black mold" you've described) which thrives in the constant damp conditions created by an AC leak.

In Dubai's climate, with high year-round humidity and complete reliance on AC systems, such leaks are a primary cause of indoor mold proliferation. The wall cavity behind the headboard is likely saturated, and the visible patches are only a small fraction of the actual colonization. Attempting to clean it yourself with store-bought solutions is ineffective and hazardous; it will agitate the spores, leading to a significantly higher level of airborne contaminants and worsening your health symptoms.

According to UAE health and safety protocols, the correct course of action is twofold. First, you must immediately report the AC leak to your building management in Dubai Marina. They are responsible for repairing the source of the moisture, as per tenancy laws. Second, the mold contamination itself requires certified remediation. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to assess the full extent of the growth within the wall, which is critical for a complete and safe resolution.

For a certified assessment and safe, effective remediation that complies with Dubai Municipality standards, I advise you to contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. Do not delay, as this is a confirmed health hazard.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 21, 2026 4:58 am