AC leak causing black mold in Dubai apartment - landlord first« Back to Previous Page

Contact your landlord immediately with photos and a written notice of the AC leak and resulting mold. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the building's central AC system and repairing faults that cause property damage, like water leaks. Documenting this communication is your first critical step.

The black speckles are likely Stachybotrys or Aspergillus mold, which thrive in the high humidity and constant condensation from a leaking AC unit. This requires professional remediation, not just surface cleaning. DIY attempts with bleach often spread spores and fail to address the moisture source.

Your landlord should arrange for an AC technician to fix the leak at its source. Simultaneously, a certified mold inspector should assess the damage to the wall and carpet. They will perform air and surface sampling to identify the species and extent of contamination, which dictates the remediation protocol. In many cases, the wet carpet and damaged drywall must be removed to prevent regrowth.

Given Dubai's climate, this is time-sensitive. Continue running your AC to control humidity, but be aware it may be distributing spores. Keep the area isolated if possible. A reputable remediation company will use containment barriers, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatments, followed by post-remediation verification testing to confirm the space is safe.