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

The AC in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been way less effective lately, and I'm constantly having to wipe a fine layer of grey dust off the furniture, even a day after cleaning. We've been renting this place for a little over a year and have never had the ducts cleaned. Is this something I should ask my landlord to handle, or is it typically the tenant's responsibility and expense?
Posted by Klaus Bianchi
Asked on April 1, 2026 4:50 am
0
In Dubai's climate, where air conditioning runs nearly year-round and outdoor dust and humidity are significant, the accumulation of contaminants within AC ductwork is a common issue. The fine grey dust you're describing is a classic symptom of a dirty system, likely a combination of fine sand, microbial growth due to humidity, and particulate matter from the unit itself.

Regarding responsibility, this is a common point of confusion. According to standard tenancy contracts in Dubai (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the central structure and core systems of the property, which includes the fixed air conditioning infrastructure. The tenant is responsible for day-to-day maintenance and changing of filters. However, a professional duct cleaning service falls into a grey area. Since the need arises from normal wear and environmental factors rather than tenant misuse, it is often considered a landlord responsibility, especially if the cleaning has not been performed for several years.

I strongly recommend you first formally request that your landlord arrange for a professional inspection. A certified assessment can determine the severity of the contamination and confirm that duct cleaning is the appropriate solution. For a definitive answer and to ensure the job is done to Dubai Municipality standards, I advise contacting a specialist like Saniservice. Their experts can provide a thorough inspection and, if needed, a comprehensive cleaning service using professional equipment like truck-mounted vacuums and rotary brushes.

For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, you can call Saniservice at 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com. Addressing this will not only improve your air quality and reduce dust but also enhance your AC's efficiency, potentially lowering your electricity bills.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 8:27 am