AC leak causing black mold in bedroom - urgent fix needed?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a little and now I’m seeing these black fuzzy patches spreading on the wall behind the bedroom wardrobe. It’s gotten worse since the humidity spiked last week. What’s the fastest way to deal with this myself, or do I need to call my landlord immediately?
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Stop using that AC unit immediately and notify your landlord in writing today. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), the landlord is responsible for fixing the AC system and the resultant property damage, which includes mold remediation from a leak.
The black fuzzy patches indicate active growth, accelerated by our high humidity. Do not attempt to clean this yourself with bleach, as it won't kill the roots and can aerosolize spores. For a small patch (under one square foot), you can temporarily contain it by lightly misting with water and vinegar to dampen and prevent spores from becoming airborne, then wiping carefully. However, the leak must be fixed first, or it will return. Given the location behind a wardrobe, the wall cavity is likely affected, which requires professional assessment. A proper fix involves stopping the leak, removing contaminated porous materials like drywall or insulation, and HEPA vacuuming. Since the mold is in your bedroom, where you spend hours breathing, an inspection is strongly advised to determine the extent. A certified inspector can use a moisture meter to see how far the water has traveled and recommend the necessary scope of work to your landlord. |
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