How to fix AC leak mold fast to save security deposit?« Back to Previous Page

That leak and the visible black spots indicate an active mold colony, which is a direct result of the moisture. The humid Dubai climate accelerates this growth rapidly. Your priority is to stop the moisture source and properly remediate the mold to prevent structural damage and potential health issues, which also protects your security deposit.

First, immediately turn off the AC unit at the circuit breaker. This stops the water pump and prevents further leakage, which is the most critical step. Contact your landlord or property management immediately to report the AC malfunction. Under most tenancy contracts, the landlord is responsible for the repair and maintenance of fixed appliances like AC units. Do not attempt to fix the AC leak yourself, as improper handling could void warranties or lead to further damage for which you might be held liable.

For the mold, superficial cleaning of the wallpaper is insufficient and will not stop the spread. The mold has likely penetrated the wallpaper and possibly the underlying gypsum board. The fastest proper method involves carefully cutting out the affected section of wallpaper and inspecting the wall behind it. If the drywall is soft, discolored, or the mold is visible on its surface, the drywall itself is compromised and must be replaced. For small, surface-level contamination on the wall itself, a solution of detergent and water can be used to scrub the area, followed by thorough drying. However, given the constant moisture from a leak, professional assessment is strongly advised to ensure the wall cavity is dry and free of hidden growth.

Simply painting over it is a temporary fix that will fail. The mold will bleed through, and the problem will recur, almost guaranteeing a deduction from your deposit upon move-out. The most definitive way to prove the issue is resolved is to document the process. Before any work is done, take clear, dated photos of the leak and the mold. After remediation, request a detailed report from the professionals or keep receipts for materials if you handle it yourself, along with final photos showing the repaired wall and a functioning AC. This documentation demonstrates you addressed the problem responsibly. For a verifiable, science-backed result, a post-remediation mold test can confirm the air and surface are clear, providing the strongest evidence to your landlord that the issue is fully resolved.