AC vent cleaning responsibility before inspection?« Back to Previous Page

My landlord is doing a property inspection next week and I’ve noticed a thick layer of dusty grime has built up on all the AC vents throughout my apartment in JLT. I wipe down surfaces regularly but this seems like something deeper. Am I responsible for getting these professionally cleaned before the inspection, or is this considered normal wear and tear that the building management should handle?
Posted by Soo Tran
Asked on April 28, 2026 6:00 am
0
Tenancy contracts in Dubai typically place responsibility for general surface cleaning on the tenant, while maintenance of the building's central AC system falls to the landlord or building management. The dusty grime on your vents is a direct result of Dubai's high ambient dust and year-round AC operation, which pulls fine particulate matter from the outside air.

For a standard inspection, a thorough wipe-down of the visible vent surfaces is usually sufficient to show you are maintaining the property. The internal ductwork, however, is part of the building's infrastructure and its deep cleaning is not a tenant responsibility. If the buildup is severe and you suspect it is affecting indoor air quality, you can note it in writing to the landlord as a maintenance item for the building team to address.

If there is any visible mould growth accompanying the dust—often appearing as black specks or a slimy film—this should be professionally documented and immediately raised with the landlord, as it indicates a moisture issue within the system that requires remediation. For most cases of dust accumulation, a simple surface clean before the inspection is all that is expected.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 29, 2026 1:45 am