Who handles black mold from AC in Dubai apartments?« Back to Previous Page

Black mould from an AC in a Dubai apartment requires a two-part approach: addressing your landlord and hiring the right professionals. For a confirmed case like yours, a certified indoor environmental professional should be engaged to inspect and remediate.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing immediately. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are typically responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, which includes the AC system and associated moisture issues causing mould. Provide photos of the mould and describe the damp smell. This creates a paper trail if there are delays.

For the remediation itself, look for a company with specific certifications in mould inspection and remediation, such as IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). The critical factor is their process: they should conduct a thorough inspection to find the moisture source (often a clogged drain pan or leaking insulation in the AC unit), contain the area to prevent spores from spreading, physically remove the mould, and finally perform a post-remediation verification test—ideally with a third-party lab—to confirm it’s gone. Many firms just spray chemicals, which doesn't solve the underlying humidity problem common with year-round AC use in the UAE's climate.

The damp, earthy smell strongly indicates active microbial growth within the ductwork or the AC unit itself, which is spreading spores throughout your apartment. A proper remediation will include cleaning and disinfecting the entire AC system to stop this cycle. While waiting, you can improve ventilation, but this is a job for professionals given the extent you're describing.