Who fixes a broken AC in a rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for major repairs and maintenance of essential services, including the central air conditioning system, falls on the landlord. A sudden, loud rattling noise from the AC unit qualifies as a major repair, not routine maintenance. This is because the AC is considered a fundamental provision for habitable living conditions in the Dubai climate.

The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best for a paper trail) about the issue. Describe the symptom—the loud rattling on startup—and request immediate repair. They are obligated to address it in a timely manner. If they are unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.

From a technical perspective, that specific noise often indicates a serious mechanical failure. Potential causes we see frequently here include a seized or failing compressor, a loose or broken blower fan assembly, or debris that has entered the external unit. Continuing to run the unit in this state can lead to a complete system failure, which is a much more costly repair.

For your safety and to properly diagnose the issue, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified technicians can identify the exact fault and provide a formal report to your landlord, which often expedites the repair process. Feel free to reach out to us for a comprehensive assessment.

You can call our team at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or email hello@saniservice.com.