Is black AC mold dangerous and how to fix urgently?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be blowing out a damp, earthy smell, and my throat has been feeling scratchy for the past couple of weeks. I just pulled the filter out and the entire plastic housing behind it is covered in fuzzy black spots. I’m getting worried these are connected. How dangerous is this and what’s the fastest way to get my landlord to deal with it properly?
Posted by Anna Perez
Asked on March 22, 2026 11:45 pm
The situation you're describing is extremely concerning and warrants immediate professional attention. The fuzzy black spots in your AC unit's plastic housing are highly indicative of active mold growth, specifically within the evaporator coil and drip pan area. This is a common yet serious issue in Dubai due to the high humidity and year-round AC use, which creates constant condensation—the perfect environment for mold.

The damp, earthy smell and your scratchy throat are direct symptoms of mold exposure. Certain species of black mold, like Stachybotrys chartarum, can produce mycotoxins that lead to respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and other health complications, especially with prolonged exposure.

Forcing your landlord to act requires citing your rights. Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), landlords are legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes providing a safe and healthy environment free from mold caused by maintenance issues like AC leaks or poor insulation. You must formally notify them in writing (email is best for a paper trail), detailing the issue and including photographs. Clearly state that the mold is a health hazard and cite the law. Demand immediate professional inspection and remediation, not just a simple cleaning by the maintenance handyman. A superficial clean will not address the root cause and the mold will return rapidly.

Do not attempt to handle this yourself. Disturbing the mold can aerosolize spores throughout your entire apartment. The fastest and most effective solution is to engage a certified mold remediation company like Saniservice. We utilize specialized equipment such as borescopes to inspect deep within the AC ducts, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial coatings to not only remove the visible growth but also eliminate the spores and address the moisture source. For an urgent assessment and to ensure your landlord handles this correctly, I strongly advise you to call our experts immediately at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 24, 2026 3:33 am