Is AC repair my or landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the responsibility for major repairs and maintenance of essential facilities like the central AC system typically falls on the landlord. This is especially true for a six-month-old lease, as the system should be in good working order at the start of your tenancy.

The rattling noise and loss of cooling you describe indicate a potential compressor issue, failing fan motor, or a significant refrigerant leak. These are not minor fixes. Your first step is to formally notify your building management or landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail), detailing the issue and requesting immediate repair. They are generally obligated to maintain the central cooling system (chiller) and its major components.

However, if your apartment has a standalone AC unit (like a split or window unit), your tenancy contract might specify who is responsible for its maintenance – always check that document first. But given you're in a JVC apartment, it's likely a central district cooling system.

Given the symptoms, I highly recommend a professional inspection to diagnose the severity. A failing compressor can lead to a complete system breakdown, which you definitely want to avoid with summer approaching. If your landlord is unresponsive, getting a professional report from a certified HVAC technician can strengthen your case.

For a thorough assessment and to get documentation, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We can identify the exact cause of the noise and provide a detailed report for your landlord.