AC cleaning: landlord or tenant responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

My AC has been blowing weak, warm air for the last couple of weeks and my DEWA bill was shockingly high last month. I live in a rented apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle, and I can see a thick layer of dust clogging the vents when I look up at the unit. Am I responsible for arranging and paying for the coil cleaning myself, or is this something the building management or my landlord should handle?
Posted by Barbara Anderson
Asked on March 20, 2026 12:03 am
0
Based on the conditions you've described—weak airflow, warm air, high DEWA bills, and visible dust accumulation—this is a classic case of a severely clogged AC evaporator coil. The unique Dubai climate, with its extreme dust (like the frequent sandstorms) and year-round reliance on AC, causes coils to become obstructed far more quickly than in other regions. This forces the unit to work excessively hard, drastically reducing cooling efficiency and skyrocketing electricity consumption.

In Dubai, the responsibility for AC maintenance, including coil cleaning, is typically defined in your rental contract. Generally, landlords are responsible for the structural integrity and major repairs of the AC system, which includes the external condenser unit. Tenants are usually responsible for routine maintenance and cleaning of the internal components that require regular attention due to usage. This includes cleaning or replacing filters and, critically, internal coil cleaning.

Since the issue is internal and directly related to performance and efficiency (not a breakdown of the unit itself), it often falls to the tenant. However, given the severity you describe, we strongly recommend a professional inspection to accurately diagnose the issue and prevent potential secondary problems like mold growth from our high humidity. A certified technician can also provide a formal report, which can be useful if you need to discuss cost-sharing with your landlord based on the tenancy contract's specific clauses.

For a definitive diagnosis and a thorough, chemical-based deep coil cleaning that restores efficiency and protects your health, contact our experts at Saniservice. We can resolve the immediate issue and provide a maintenance plan to prevent recurrence. Call us at 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com for a swift assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 23, 2026 6:04 am