Is AC leak causing mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms and description, this is a classic presentation of a mold issue caused by an AC condensate leak. The persistent moisture from the leak, combined with Dubai's high ambient humidity and the organic material in dust and building walls, creates an ideal environment for mold growth. The black spots are almost certainly microbial growth, likely Cladosporium or Stachybotrys (black mold), which thrive in such damp, dark conditions.

Your wife's symptoms—morning stuffy nose and headaches that resolve when she leaves the environment—are strong indicators of exposure to mold spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which are known irritants and can trigger allergic-type reactions and sinus congestion.

Regarding responsibility, UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, generally places the responsibility for major maintenance and structural repairs on the landlord. This includes the repair or replacement of the central AC unit and the remediation of any structural damage, such as the mold-infested wall, that resulted from the malfunctioning appliance. You are typically responsible for reporting the issue in a timely manner. Document everything with photos and written communication to your landlord or property management company.

However, for health and safety, I strongly recommend you do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize a high concentration of spores, exacerbating the health risks. This requires professional assessment and remediation.

Our certified team at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive inspection, including air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration, and provide a detailed report for your landlord. We then execute a full remediation protocol with containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment to ensure the problem is resolved safely. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate assessment.