AC leak causing black mold in Jumeirah Village Circle?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be leaking into the wall behind it, and now we’ve spotted a patch of black mold that’s spreading. I tried wiping it with vinegar but the musty smell comes back every time the AC kicks on. Is this a job for a professional mold removal company, and roughly how much would it cost to have this properly treated?
Posted by Wolfgang Van Dijk
Asked on March 16, 2026 7:39 pm
Based on your description, this is absolutely a job for a professional mold remediation company. The situation you've described—an AC unit leaking into a wall cavity and causing recurring black mold—is a serious concern that requires expert intervention, especially in Dubai's climate.

The continuous high humidity and condensation from a faulty AC unit creates a perfect breeding ground for mold. The fact that the musty odor returns when the AC operates is a major red flag; it indicates that the mold colony is active and likely spreading within the wall, a area you cannot access or treat with surface cleaning. Vinegar or DIY solutions are completely inadequate here, as they only address the surface visible to you, not the root cause or the hidden infestation.

In the UAE, proper remediation involves a multi-step process: first, a certified inspection to identify the moisture source and the full extent of contamination, often using tools like moisture meters and borescopes. Then, the remediation includes isolating the area, removing contaminated porous materials (like drywall), HEPA vacuuming, anti-microbial treatment of the structure, and finally, repairing the AC leak and the wall. The cost for a job like this can vary significantly based on the extent of the damage, but for a localized wall patch due to an AC leak, you could be looking at a range from AED 1,500 to AED 4,500. This typically includes the inspection, containment, removal, treatment, and ensuring the moisture source is resolved.

Given the health risks associated with black mold and the potential for structural damage, I strongly recommend you stop using that AC unit and contact a professional immediately. For a certified inspection and a precise quote, you should call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. They are equipped to handle this in full compliance with local standards and can prevent this problem from recurring.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 18, 2026 12:03 am