Is landlord responsible for fixing AC in rental?« Back to Previous Page
|
The AC in the main bedroom of our apartment in JLT has started making a loud rattling noise every time it kicks on, and it’s just not cooling like it used to. We’ve been here for over a year and it was fine until this heat really kicked in last month. I’m not sure if this is something I should just call a handyman for or if it’s the landlord's responsibility to fix the entire unit. Who is legally responsible for repairing the air conditioning in a rental?
|
|
Based on UAE law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the landlord is legally obligated to carry out all major maintenance that ensures the property remains habitable. This unequivocally includes the central air conditioning system, as it is an essential service for habitability in our extreme climate.
The rattling noise you describe, coupled with a loss of cooling capacity, is a classic symptom of a failing compressor or a significant refrigerant leak. These are not simple handyman fixes. Attempting a cheap repair could cause a complete system failure, leaving you without cooling entirely. In Dubai, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the AC's functionality, not just patching it up. You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing of the issue, giving them a reasonable timeframe to conduct a proper repair using licensed HVAC technicians. For a definitive assessment of the issue, especially before engaging with your landlord, I highly recommend a professional inspection from a certified indoor environmental quality company like ours. We can diagnose the root cause and provide a detailed report you can present to the landlord, ensuring the correct, lasting repair is done. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For an immediate professional diagnosis, call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: