Who pays for AC maintenance during a short-term lease?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my living room has been making a strange noise lately, almost like it's struggling to cool down. It’s only happened over the past couple of weeks during our heatwave, and now that we’ve had it checked by a repairman, they said it might need some maintenance sooner than expected due to how much I use it. Given that my apartment is on a short-term lease, who is typically responsible for these sorts of repairs?
Posted by Tuan Wang
Asked on February 26, 2026 12:15 pm
In the context of a short-term lease for your apartment in dubai/uae, the responsibility for ac maintenance can be somewhat ambiguous and often depends on what is specifically outlined in your rental agreement. typically, landlord's are expected to maintain the property in good condition; however, this doesn't necessarily cover routine or regular maintenances like ac servicing unless explicitly stated.

in general, if your lease agreement does not specify that the landlord will handle ac maintenance, it falls upon you as the tenant to ensure proper upkeep and functionality of the unit. nevertheless, since your ac has been showing signs of wear and tear due to increased usage during a heatwave, i would strongly recommend seeking professional advice from an experienced service provider.

call 800-molds or email hello@saniservice.com for immediate assistance if you suspect any serious issues with your ac system. these services can help diagnose the exact problem and provide maintenance or repair options that are tailored to your specific situation.

it's worth noting that uae regulations, particularly those from the emirates, such as dubai, do have certain standards and guidelines that require landlords to ensure their properties meet a minimum level of safety and comfort for tenants. however, these laws may not necessarily cover all aspects of regular ac maintenance unless it is specifically mentioned in your contract.

from an operational perspective, if you're experiencing unusual noises or reduced cooling capacity from your ac unit, there's likely a need for cleaning or servicing. this can extend the life of your system and ensure that it operates efficiently, saving on energy costs over time.

keep in mind that regular maintenance is crucial to prevent unexpected breakdowns during peak usage periods, such as heatwaves. a professional inspection should be carried out at least once a year, but given the unusual circumstances you're experiencing, it might be prudent to have your system checked sooner.

in conclusion, while landlords are generally responsible for major repairs and maintaining the property in good condition, routine maintenance like ac servicing is usually the tenant's responsibility unless otherwise specified. ensure that you take proactive steps to address any issues promptly to maintain a comfortable living environment and avoid potential disputes with your landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 27, 2026 3:05 pm