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

In Dubai, responsibility for AC maintenance, including coil cleaning, typically falls to the property owner or landlord, not the tenant. Your tenancy contract is the definitive document; it often specifies who is responsible for routine and major AC servicing. Landlords are generally obligated to provide a habitable property with functioning essential services, which includes a working AC system in this climate.

The symptoms you describe—gurgling sounds, weak cooling, and a high electricity bill—are classic signs of severely dirty evaporator coils. A clogged coil forces the compressor to run longer, drastically increasing energy consumption. Given Dubai's high ambient dust and year-round AC usage, this is a common but serious issue that requires professional attention.

You should first formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the AC malfunction and the associated high utility cost. Request that they arrange for a proper inspection and cleaning by a certified technician. Do not attempt a DIY cleaning, as improper handling can damage the sensitive coils and void any existing maintenance contracts. A professional service will clean the coils, check the refrigerant level, and ensure the entire system is operating efficiently, which should resolve the noise and restore cooling performance.