Urgent: AC mold risk for toddler, landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

This situation warrants immediate attention due to your toddler's symptoms. The musty smell and visible black growth are strong indicators of a mold colony in your AC unit, likely fueled by Dubai's high humidity and constant condensation inside the systems. The fuzzy texture suggests it's actively growing.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing immediately. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's essential systems, including air conditioning, in good working order. A malfunctioning AC unit that is impacting indoor air quality and tenant health falls under this obligation. Provide clear photos of the mold and a description of the odor and your child's symptoms.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing it can aerosolize spores throughout your apartment. A professional inspection is needed to assess the full extent of the contamination within the ductwork and unit itself. The inspector should perform surface sampling to identify the mold species, as this informs the remediation protocol. For a toddler with existing respiratory irritation, expediting this process is strongly advised. While many molds are primarily irritants, professional testing is the only way to confirm the specific type and potential risk.