Is landlord responsible for cleaning after building work?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code and common tenancy contract stipulations here in Dubai, the responsibility for cleaning after major building work can be a grey area, but there is a general precedent.

Typically, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the common property and ensuring that any work they authorize does not negatively impact the tenant's quiet enjoyment of the leased unit. If the dust infiltration is a direct and significant result of the building's common area deep cleaning—a project you did not initiate—it is reasonable to expect the building management or landlord to address the resultant mess inside your apartment. This is especially true if the dust is a persistent health and hygiene concern, which it sounds like it is.

Your first step should be a formal, written communication to both your landlord and the building management company. Detail the issue, attach photos of the settled dust, and reference the recent building work. Politely request that they arrange for a professional deep clean of your apartment to rectify the situation, as your standard cleaning methods are ineffective against the fine particulate residue.

If they are unresponsive or refuse, you may need to escalate. For severe cases where air quality is compromised, I strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection to document the particulate levels. This provides concrete evidence if you need to file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC).

For a situation like this, a standard vacuum won't suffice. You need a HEPA-filter vacuum and specialized techniques to capture that fine dust. If the landlord agrees to rectify it but is unsure who to call, our teams at Saniservice are equipped for exactly this kind of post-construction hygienization. Feel free to have them contact us for a quote at 800-MOLDS or hello@saniservice.com.