Mold from AC leak in closet: DIY or call management?« Back to Previous Page

Call building management immediately. In Dubai, AC leakage is the landlord's responsibility to fix under common tenancy agreements, as it's a building system failure. The mold growth on your wall and belongings indicates a significant, ongoing moisture issue that you cannot solve by cleaning alone. The leak must be repaired first to stop the source.

For your health, do not attempt a large DIY cleanup. Disturbing extensive mold can aerosolize spores, leading to respiratory issues. The confined, humid space of a closet in Dubai's climate makes proper containment and drying nearly impossible without professional equipment.

While waiting for management, you can carefully remove the moldy clothes in sealed plastic bags to prevent spreading spores through your apartment. Do not try to wash or salvage them until a professional can assess the contamination level. Keep the closet door closed to contain the smell and spores.

A professional inspection is strongly advised. They can assess the wall cavity for hidden growth, which is common after a prolonged leak, and provide documentation for your landlord. The remediation process involves containing the area, using HEPA filtration, removing contaminated porous materials like drywall or insulation, and thoroughly drying the structure before repairs. Simply wiping visible mold is ineffective and potentially hazardous.