Is AC leak causing dangerous mold for my toddler?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit for the last week, and now I'm seeing a small patch of black mold on the ceiling corner near the vent. It's about the size of my hand and has a really damp, earthy smell. I'm worried about my toddler who sleeps in the next room. Is this something I need to get my landlord to fix as an emergency, or can it wait until the weekend?
Posted by Yan Zhu
Asked on April 4, 2026 6:03 am
Based on the description of a persistent AC leak, visible black mold growth, and the associated damp, earthy odor, this situation requires immediate attention and should be treated as an urgent matter, especially given the presence of a toddler.

The leak from your AC unit in Jumeirah Village Circle is creating a constant source of moisture. In Dubai's high humidity climate, this is a primary catalyst for mold proliferation. The patch you see is likely just the surface manifestation; the moisture has almost certainly seeped into the ceiling cavity and insulation, creating a larger hidden colony. The musty smell is a key indicator of active microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) production, which is associated with the mold's metabolic processes.

For a child with a developing respiratory system, exposure to these spores and MVOCs can lead to allergic reactions, asthma exacerbation, coughing, and other respiratory irritations. This is not a matter that should wait until the weekend.

Under typical Dubai rental regulations, the maintenance of AC units, which are considered a central part of the property's infrastructure, is the landlord's responsibility. You should notify them in writing immediately, citing the leak and potential health hazard, and request urgent remediation.

However, mold assessment and remediation is a specialized field. A professional inspection is critical to determine the full extent of the contamination behind the ceiling and to conduct air quality testing to ascertain spore count levels. Attempting to clean it superficially will not address the root cause or the hidden biomass.

For a certified inspection and a comprehensive remediation plan that addresses both the visible growth and the hidden moisture damage, I strongly recommend you contact our specialists. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. We can also provide a detailed report for your landlord to expedite the necessary repairs.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 6:32 pm