Should I tell my landlord about AC leak and mold?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be leaking water onto the carpet in the living room, and now I'm seeing these small black spots spreading out from the wall. It started about a week ago and the damp, earthy smell is getting really strong. What’s the best way to get a professional mold inspection here, and should I tell my landlord first or just get it sorted myself?
Posted by Salma Farah
Asked on April 6, 2026 5:15 am
Notify your landlord immediately and in writing. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are typically responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and fixing issues like AC leaks that cause damage. Document the leak and mold with photos and a dated email to create a formal record of notification.

Given the visible black spots and strong earthy smell, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. In Dubai's high humidity, mold from an AC leak can spread quickly behind walls and under carpets, often beyond what's visible. A proper inspection involves more than a visual check; it includes moisture mapping to find the full extent of water damage and air or surface sampling to identify the mold species, which dictates the necessary remediation steps.

You should not attempt to handle this yourself. Disturbing mold improperly can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination further. A professional assessment provides a verified report you can give to your landlord, outlining the necessary corrective actions. This evidence-based approach is the fastest way to get the problem resolved correctly and ensures the health of your indoor environment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 7, 2026 2:24 am