Is fixing a noisy AC the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural parts of a property and its permanent fixtures, which typically includes the central air conditioning system. A noisy AC unit, particularly one that is also causing a spike in your DEWA consumption, falls under major maintenance and is generally the landlord's obligation to repair.

You should first formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, referencing the high electricity bill as evidence of a malfunction. They are typically required to address it within a reasonable timeframe. The constant high humidity and fine dust in Dubai accelerate wear on AC components; a persistent rattling noise often points to a failing compressor, obstructed fan motor, or debris in the blower assembly—issues that worsen with continued use and lead to inefficient, costly operation.

Since you've already ruled out the simple fix of a filter change, a professional inspection is necessary to diagnose the root cause. The landlord may arrange for their own technician, or they might request that you get a diagnosis and share the report. Avoid using any unvetted technician, as the diagnosis itself must be credible. For a issue this specific, the technician's report should detail the faulty component and explain its direct impact on energy efficiency, which strengthens your case with the landlord. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai, but having a professional assessment in hand will be essential.