Mold from AC leak: DIY or call a pro in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Lakes Towers seems to be leaking into the wall behind it, and now there's a large patch of black mold spreading on the wallpaper. It's been getting worse since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. I'm worried about the health risks and the damage to the landlord's property. For a job like this, should I just tackle it myself with bleach or is it absolutely necessary to call a professional mold removal company in Dubai, and what would that likely cost?
Posted by Julia Ramirez
Asked on March 18, 2026 12:30 am
Based on the description of your situation in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, this is a serious case that absolutely requires a professional mold remediation company, not a DIY approach. The black mold spreading on the wallpaper indicates a significant, ongoing moisture intrusion from the AC leak, which has likely saturated the wall cavity itself.

Using bleach is strongly discouraged. It is ineffective on porous materials like drywall and wallpaper, as it only bleaches the surface mold without addressing the root colony. More critically, it can aggravate the spores, worsening airborne contamination and potential health risks like respiratory issues and allergic reactions, which are a primary concern.

The constant high humidity and year-round AC use in Dubai creates a perfect environment for rapid mold proliferation. The leak must be fixed first by an AC technician to stop the moisture source. Then, professional remediation is critical. The process involves containment with negative air pressure to prevent cross-contamination, specialized HEPA filtration to remove airborne spores, and the safe removal and disposal of contaminated porous materials like the wallpaper and potentially the underlying drywall. The area must then be professionally cleaned and dried to industry standards.

For a job of this scale, costs can vary significantly based on the extent of the damage behind the wall, but you should expect a professional assessment and remediation to range from AED 2,500 to AED 7,000 or more. As the tenant, you should immediately notify your landlord or property management company, as this is a building maintenance issue.

I highly recommend you get a professional inspection to assess the full scope. For a certified assessment and remediation quote, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. They are equipped to handle this safely and in compliance with local standards.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 19, 2026 12:30 pm