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

The AC in my apartment seems to be struggling to cool the living room, and my DEWA bill last month was way higher than usual. We've lived in this Jumeirah Village Triangle flat for almost a year without issues until this summer heat really hit. I'm not sure if it's the filter, the unit itself, or a refrigerant leak. Am I responsible for calling a certified technician to check the AC, or is that something my landlord has to arrange and pay for?
Posted by Hannah Hill
Asked on March 22, 2026 6:42 pm
Excellent question, and a very common one here in Dubai, especially as we're deep into the summer. As a certified indoor environmental quality specialist, I can clarify the regulations and your best course of action.

Under Dubai's rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural components and the main systems of the property. This explicitly includes the central air conditioning system. The AC is considered an essential fixture, and its maintenance, including repairs for issues like refrigerant leaks or compressor failure, falls on the landlord. You are typically only responsible for minor, routine maintenance, such as replacing the air filters every 3-4 months, which can indeed cause poor cooling and high bills if clogged.

However, the process requires you to notify the landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, giving them a reasonable timeframe to address it. If they fail to act, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.

Given the symptoms you describe – inadequate cooling and a significant spike in your DEWA bill – this is not a minor filter issue. It strongly indicates a deeper problem like low refrigerant, a failing compressor, or ductwork leaks. These require a certified HVAC technician for a proper diagnosis. We strongly advise against using uncertified handymen, as they often cause more damage and void system warranties.

For a professional inspection and detailed report you can present to your landlord, you should call a certified provider. Our teams at Saniservice are fully certified and can provide a comprehensive assessment.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. A detailed technical report will clearly outline the issue and the required remediation, which you can then forward to your landlord to fulfill their obligation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 24, 2026 5:03 pm