Should I tell my landlord about mold immediately?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should notify your landlord about this immediately. A leaking AC unit causing visible mold growth and health symptoms constitutes an urgent maintenance issue in Dubai.

The black spots and damp smell indicate active microbial growth, which your scratchy throat confirms is already affecting indoor air quality. In Dubai's high humidity, a small water leak can lead to widespread mold colonization inside wall cavities or under carpets in as little as 48-72 hours. Delaying action allows the problem to become more extensive and costly to remediate.

Under typical Dubai tenancy contracts, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structure and fixed appliances, including the AC system and addressing resultant damage like mold. Document the issue clearly: take date-stamped photos of the leak, the black spots, and any visible pooling water. Send this evidence to your landlord or property manager via email or WhatsApp to create a written record of your notification. This protects you and clearly outlines the required fix.

For a situation involving visible growth and health symptoms, a professional inspection is warranted to assess the full extent. Remediation often involves stopping the leak at its source, proper drying of the building materials, and targeted cleaning of affected surfaces to remove the growth and its spores. Simply wiping the spots is insufficient if the wall or carpet backing remains damp. A company with microbiological expertise can verify the environment is returned to a healthy state through post-remediation testing.