AC leak causing mold and health issues: clean or call?« Back to Previous Page

Stop using the AC immediately and call building management first. In Dubai, landlords and building operators are responsible for maintaining AC systems and addressing leaks that cause property damage and mold growth under standard tenancy agreements. Document the leak and mold with photos for your records.

For a small area (under one square meter), you can carefully clean surface mold with a solution of diluted detergent. However, given the leak has been ongoing for weeks and the mold is behind furniture, the moisture has likely penetrated the carpet underlay and wall material, which you cannot properly dry or clean yourself. The scratchy throat is a common reaction to mold spores becoming airborne.

The combination of our high humidity and constant AC use creates ideal conditions for mold to regrow if the source moisture isn't stopped. The safest approach is to have building management repair the leak, then a professional assessment to determine the extent of the mold. They can use moisture meters to check inside walls and recommend if carpet removal or antimicrobial treatment is needed. A proper fix addresses the hidden damage, not just the visible spots.