Is AC mold making my child sick? Urgent?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our apartment in Mirdif has been leaking a little bit onto the carpet in the kids' bedroom, and now I'm seeing a few small black spots near the skirting board. My youngest has been sneezing a lot more than usual this past week, and I'm starting to worry. Is this something I need to get the landlord to handle urgently, or can I tackle it myself with a vinegar solution?
Posted by Dong Liu
Asked on April 18, 2026 7:50 pm
It's very possible. AC mold growth in humid climates like Dubai often presents as increased sneezing, congestion, or allergy-like symptoms, especially in children. The leak is providing the constant moisture mold needs to thrive on that carpet and backing, and the black spots are a clear visual indicator of a problem.

This is absolutely something to bring to your landlord urgently. Tenancy laws in Dubai place the responsibility for maintaining the property's air conditioning system, including leaks that cause property damage and potential health hazards, on the landlord. Document the leak and the visible mold with photos and send a written notification. Do not attempt a DIY fix with vinegar for this; it is a temporary measure for surface mold on non-porous materials, not for mold growing in damp carpet and padding, which likely requires professional remediation to prevent it from spreading inside the walls.

For your child's health, I would recommend a professional inspection. An expert can identify the exact mold species and its concentration, which dictates the remediation protocol. The AC unit itself will also need to be inspected and cleaned to stop the source of the moisture. In the meantime, increase ventilation in the room and consider using a dehumidifier to help lower the moisture level.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 21, 2026 12:31 am