Who pays for AC repair and high DEWA bill?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been making a loud rattling noise every time it kicks on, and my DEWA bill was almost double what it usually is last month. My tenancy contract is a bit vague, stating the landlord is responsible for "major repairs" but I'm not sure if this qualifies. Who is responsible for getting this repaired, me or the landlord?
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The Dubai Rental Law typically places responsibility for "major repairs" and maintenance of essential services like air conditioning on the landlord. A loud rattling noise combined with a significantly higher DEWA bill strongly suggests a mechanical fault, such as a failing compressor or blocked condenser coils, which would qualify as a major repair.
You should formally notify your landlord in writing about both the malfunctioning unit and the abnormal utility bill, as the high consumption is direct evidence of the AC's inefficiency. In Dubai's climate, where AC runs almost constantly, a faulty unit can cause a 30-40% increase in energy use. Landlords are generally obligated to provide a habitable property, which includes functional climate control. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For immediate resolution, you can arrange for a professional AC inspection yourself. A certified technician can provide a detailed report on the required repairs, which strengthens your position when negotiating with the landlord. This is a common and effective approach for tenants in such disputes. |
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