AC leak causing black mold: clean myself or hire pro?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be leaking into the wall behind it, and now I’m seeing a bunch of black spots spreading on the wallpaper. It’s been getting worse since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. I’m worried about it affecting our health and damaging the rental property. Should I just get a cleaning company to handle it, or is this something serious enough that I need to call a professional mold remediation service, and what kind of cost am I looking at for a job like this?
Posted by Ying Jung
Asked on April 16, 2026 2:10 pm
That leak and spreading black spots indicate a serious moisture problem that requires professional attention, not just cleaning. In Dubai's high humidity, an AC leak inside a wall cavity creates a perfect environment for rapid mold growth that you cannot adequately address yourself.

For a rental, your first step is to notify the building management or landlord immediately. They are typically responsible for fixing the AC leak source, which is the priority. Simply cleaning the visible mold without stopping the water intrusion will result in it returning quickly.

Due to the location inside the wall, a professional remediation service is strongly advised. They will identify the full extent of the damage, contain the area to prevent spores from spreading to other parts of your apartment during removal, and safely dispose of contaminated materials like the wet drywall and insulation. A proper remediation, not just a surface clean, is what prevents recurrence and protects your health.

For context, the initial inspection and moisture mapping by a certified inspector is a critical step to assess the damage. In many cases, the wall will need to be opened. While I don't discuss specific costs, the investment is justified to ensure the problem is resolved correctly, your health is protected, and the property is restored to a safe condition for the landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 18, 2026 6:55 am