Suspected AC mold causing illness, who to contact first?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been making us all stuffy and giving us headaches for a couple of months now. I finally pulled the vent cover off and found what looks like black dust and fuzzy patches all around the inside. I'm worried it's mold and that it's causing our symptoms. What's the best way to get a proper mold inspection done here, and should I be contacting my landlord first or an inspection company directly?
Posted by Aisha Al-Hamdi
Asked on May 4, 2026 8:55 am
Contact a certified mold inspection company directly. Your symptoms and visible growth indicate a professional assessment is needed to identify the species and extent of contamination. In Dubai's humid climate, AC units are prone to condensation that fosters mold, especially black mold, which is frequently identified in such scenarios and known to cause the symptoms you describe.

You are not required to contact your landlord first, but you should inform them immediately after receiving the inspection report. Under Dubai rental regulations, maintaining a habitable and healthy living environment is the landlord's responsibility. A professional report from an accredited company, ideally one with its own microbiology lab for accurate species identification, provides the concrete evidence required to formally request and compel remediation.

A proper inspection involves more than a visual check; it includes air and surface sampling sent to a lab for analysis. This confirms the mold type and spore count in your air, which is crucial for linking it to your health concerns. Avoid disturbing the area further before the inspection, as this can release more spores into your apartment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 6, 2026 12:09 am