Who is responsible for AC repair in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the tenancy law here in Dubai, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for all major maintenance and repairs related to the central structure and essential services of the property, which includes the AC system. This is considered a fundamental provision of a habitable dwelling, especially given our climate. The rattling sound followed by a loss of cooling is a classic sign of a system that's been neglected, likely a combination of a clogged evaporator coil, a failing compressor, or indeed a refrigerant leak.

While the building maintenance guy can identify a problem, a "certified" technician is crucial. In the UAE, this refers to professionals holding a Refrigerant Handling License from organizations like the Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon & Climate Change Technologies (CELCT). This certification is mandatory for anyone handling refrigerants, as improper handling is illegal and environmentally damaging. The landlord or their appointed property management company should arrange and bear the cost for this certified repair, as it's a structural maintenance issue, not damage caused by tenant misuse.

You should formally notify your landlord or property manager in writing about the issue, citing the lack of cooling. If they are unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. However, given the symptoms you describe—a rattling noise and complete loss of cooling—this isn't a simple fix. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to assess the full scope, as a leaking refrigerant line or compressor failure poses further risks if left untreated. For an immediate assessment by certified experts, you can call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.