AC Leak Causing Mold and Sickness: Landlord or Professional First?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a bit for a couple of months, and now we’ve found black spots spreading behind the wardrobe. My husband and I have both had a persistent cough and headaches for weeks and we’re starting to worry it’s connected. What’s the most effective way to get this professionally tested and removed in Dubai, and should we be talking to our landlord first or just calling a company ourselves?
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Contact your landlord first. In Dubai, landlords are typically responsible for maintaining AC units and addressing leaks that cause property damage. Document the leak, mold growth, and your symptoms with photos and dates before you notify them in writing. This creates a formal record.
Given the visible mold and your persistent symptoms—common with prolonged exposure—this requires professional assessment. The high humidity here accelerates mold growth from AC condensation leaks. A proper inspection involves more than a visual check; it identifies the mold species and the full extent of contamination, often hidden inside walls or the AC system itself. If the landlord is unresponsive, you may need to arrange an inspection yourself. Look for a provider that offers a comprehensive diagnosis, including moisture mapping and air or surface sampling sent to a microbiology lab for analysis. This data is crucial for effective remediation, which should include fixing the leak, removing contaminated materials like the drywall behind the wardrobe, and a thorough cleaning of the entire affected area with HEPA filtration. Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. The goal is to return the indoor environment to a safe state, which post-remediation verification testing can confirm. |
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