AC unit leak caused hidden black mold - who to call?« Back to Previous Page

Stop using that AC unit immediately to prevent further moisture. In Dubai's high humidity, mold can colonize rapidly behind walls or under flooring once a moisture source is present. The black patch you see is likely just the visible portion.

For a rental apartment, your first call should be to the building management or landlord. They are typically responsible for fixing the AC leak, which is the source of the problem. However, the mold remediation itself may fall to you or require a specialist, depending on your contract and the building's policy.

Given the hidden nature of the growth on concrete, a professional assessment is strongly advised. Concrete is porous, meaning the mold's root structure (hyphae) can penetrate deeper than what is visible on the surface. A proper inspection will determine the full extent and identify the species, as some types of black mold are more concerning than others.

A certified mold inspector can use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find the moisture spread and take air/surface samples for lab analysis. This data is crucial for effective remediation, which involves fixing the leak, properly removing the contaminated materials (like carpet and underlay), and treating the concrete. Simply bleaching the surface is ineffective and can aggravate the spores. Focus on companies that provide verifiable before-and-after testing to ensure the issue is resolved.