Is AC deep cleaning a tenant's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

My landlord is saying I have to pay for professional cleaning of the entire air conditioning system before I move out next month. I've been changing the filters regularly myself, but I noticed a lot of dust built up around the vents in the living room. Is this deep cleaning actually my responsibility as a tenant, or should the building management handle it since it's part of the building's infrastructure?
Posted by Sakura Zhang
Asked on April 30, 2026 11:00 pm
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Typically, no. Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the tenant is responsible for routine maintenance and minor repairs, while the landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the main installations and the infrastructure of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system.

Your responsibility is generally limited to replacing disposable filters and keeping the accessible parts of the unit clean. A "deep clean" of the entire ductwork and internal system is considered major maintenance of the building's infrastructure. The significant dust buildup you see around the vents strongly suggests the ducts themselves need cleaning, which is beyond routine tenant upkeep.

Given Dubai's climate, with year-round AC use trapping high levels of dust and humidity promoting microbial growth inside ducts, this cleaning is a building management issue. Before agreeing to pay, request a copy of your tenancy contract and review the maintenance clause. You can also inquire with the building management if they have a scheduled duct cleaning program for the entire building. For a definitive assessment of whether the system requires cleaning, a professional inspection can document the internal condition of the ducts.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 3, 2026 12:14 am