Bedroom AC leak caused black mold and sickness. What to do?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a little onto the carpet for a while, but I only just pulled back the corner and found a huge patch of black mold underneath. My husband and I have both had a weird, persistent dry cough for the last month and are waking up with headaches. Is this mold definitely the cause of our symptoms, and who do I even call to get this properly cleaned—the building management or a specialized company?
Posted by Jaya Rao
Asked on April 1, 2026 10:30 am
Based on your description, it is highly probable that the black mold growth from the AC leak is the cause of your persistent dry cough and morning headaches. These are classic symptoms of exposure to mycotoxins released by mold spores, particularly Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), which thrives in the damp conditions created by AC condensation leaks common in Dubai's humid climate.

Your first action must be to stop using the affected AC unit immediately to prevent further moisture and spore circulation. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing the mold colony will aerosolize a high concentration of spores, exacerbating your health issues and contaminating other areas.

You need to contact two parties. First, inform your building management or landlord in writing. Under UAE tenancy laws, they are typically responsible for the maintenance and repair of the building's central AC systems and structural issues causing leaks. They must fix the source of the water intrusion.

Simultaneously, you must engage a professional mold remediation company. Building maintenance teams are not equipped for proper mold abatement, which requires specialized containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment to ensure complete spore removal and prevent recurrence. This is not a simple carpet cleaning job.

For a case of this severity, we strongly recommend a certified inspection and remediation service. Our team at Saniservice specializes in such scenarios, employing industry-standard protocols like IICRC S520 to safely remediate the mold, treat the area, and verify the air quality is safe for reoccupancy. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate assessment. Your health is the priority.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 4, 2026 4:02 am