Is AC duct cleaning the tenant's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

My landlord is saying I have to pay for the deep cleaning of all the AC vents in my Jumeirah apartment, claiming it's my responsibility. We've been here for three years and I've only ever cleaned the filters myself, but now there's a visible buildup of dust inside the ducts that's affecting the airflow. Is this kind of major duct cleaning actually the tenant's job, or should the building management or landlord be handling it?
Posted by Lauren White
Asked on April 10, 2026 8:16 pm
0
In Dubai, the responsibility for AC duct cleaning is a common point of contention between tenants and landlords. Typically, under standard rental contracts (Ejari), the tenant is responsible for routine maintenance, such as replacing or cleaning the AC filters. However, a major deep cleaning of the entire ductwork system due to long-term buildup falls under capital or structural maintenance, which is generally the landlord's responsibility.

The extreme Dubai climate, with its high dust levels, humidity, and year-round reliance on AC, causes significant dust, microbial growth, and debris to accumulate deep within ducts that simple filter cleaning cannot address. This is a building system issue. If the buildup is now visibly affecting airflow, it indicates a need for professional remediation that goes beyond tenant upkeep.

I strongly recommend you first review your tenancy contract for any specific clauses regarding HVAC maintenance. For a definitive assessment, a professional inspection is crucial. Our team at Saniservice can conduct a thorough assessment of the ductwork, document the level of contamination with video evidence, and provide a formal report. This report is often vital to present to your landlord or building management to clearly demonstrate the required scope of work, which is for the benefit of the property's long-term value and tenant health.

For an immediate professional consultation and inspection to resolve this issue, please call us at 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 12, 2026 6:45 am