Should I inspect for mold myself or tell landlord first?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description of AC leakage, visible black speckles, and health symptoms like stuffy noses, you are almost certainly dealing with an active mold colony. The persistent moisture from the leaking AC unit, combined with Dubai's high ambient humidity and the confined space behind the wardrobe, creates the perfect environment for mold growth.

In the UAE, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs of fixed installations like AC units and the resulting damage to the property structure typically falls on the landlord, as per standard tenancy contract regulations. Therefore, your first and most crucial step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Provide clear photographs of the leak, the visible mold growth, and a description of the health symptoms. This creates an official record and prompts them to act. Do not attempt significant DIY inspection or cleaning, as disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize spores and drastically worsen the indoor air quality and your exposure.

For a issue of this nature, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. DIY test kits are unreliable and cannot assess the extent of contamination within the wall cavity or the AC system itself. A certified mold inspector will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping, thermal imaging to find the full scope of water intrusion, and air quality sampling to identify spore types and concentrations. This detailed report is essential to compel your landlord to authorize and pay for proper remediation, which goes far beyond simple cleaning.

For a definitive assessment and a report that holds legal and technical weight, contact a specialist like Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a professional inspection. They will provide the documentation needed to ensure the remediation is handled correctly and completely.