Is AC duct cleaning a tenant or landlord responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, and specifically Dubai, the responsibility for AC duct cleaning is typically addressed in the tenancy contract. Under the standard Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the main structure and central systems of the property, which often includes the central AC system and its ductwork. Tenants are usually responsible for day-to-day maintenance and changing filters.

However, the line can be blurry. Given the extreme climate—where AC runs year-round, combining high humidity with fine desert dust—ducts accumulate significant contamination much faster than in milder climates. This leads to reduced airflow, higher energy bills, and the dust settling you’re experiencing, which can also impact indoor air quality.

Your first step is to review your tenancy agreement. It may specify maintenance responsibilities. Regardless, we highly recommend you inform your landlord or property management company immediately. A weak AC system in a Dubai summer is a habitability issue. Present it as a necessary maintenance item to protect the property's asset (the AC system) and for the health and comfort of the tenants.

Given the symptoms you describe, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the level of contamination and identify any potential leaks or insulation issues within the ducts. Attempting to clean them without proper assessment and equipment can cause more damage.

For a definitive assessment and a certified hygienization service, I recommend contacting Saniservice. Their experts can provide a detailed report, which can be very useful in discussions with your landlord. You can reach them for a consultation at 800-66537 or via email at hello@saniservice.com.