Who cleans up after a sandstorm?« Back to Previous Page

After the recent sandstorm, I’ve noticed a lot of dust settling on all surfaces in the living room—especially on my son’s books and the furniture. The AC seems to be working overtime too, trying to keep up with the extra grit. Have we as tenants any responsibility for cleaning this up, or is it the landlord's duty?
Posted by Matthew Scott
Asked on January 5, 2026 4:48 pm
0
Who Cleans Up After A Sandstorm?

Hello there. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the dust and grit left behind after such a severe sandstorm. In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, we do have certain expectations for who should take responsibility for cleaning up.

First off, it's crucial to remember that post-sandstorm cleanup is indeed a shared responsibility between tenants and landlords. However, as a tenant living in an apartment or villa, you are generally expected to keep your living spaces clean and presentable. This means taking care of the dust on books, furniture, and other surfaces.

The AC system, working overtime due to the additional dirt, is also something that should be checked by a professional HVAC technician. If the issue persists, it might indicate the need for a thorough cleaning or even possible damage from the sandstorm. In such cases, it would be wise to contact your landlord or property management for assistance.

In Dubai and UAE, there are specific regulations regarding building maintenance and tenant responsibilities. According to the Real Estate Agency Regulations 2018 (REAR), tenants have a duty to maintain their properties in good condition, which includes keeping them clean from any dust or debris caused by external factors such as sandstorms.

However, if the condition of your property is significantly affected—such as severe damage that cannot be cleaned by regular means—it might fall under the landlord’s responsibilities. It's important to document the extent of the damage and communicate this with your landlord or managing agent in a timely manner.

For serious cases where you're concerned about the health impacts from prolonged exposure to dust, it is advisable to call for professional environmental inspection services. Saniservice, based here in Dubai, can provide expert advice and remediation if necessary. Their number is 800-66537 or you can email them at hello@saniservice.com.

Remember, while the immediate clean-up might be your responsibility, ensuring long-term health and well-being of your living space should not be overlooked. Take this opportunity to schedule regular cleaning services for your home and perhaps consider using air purifiers that can help reduce dust levels indoors.

Keep the windows closed during sandstorms and ensure good ventilation when it's safe to open them again. This will help minimize the entry of more dust into your home.

Hope these tips are helpful!
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 11, 2026 1:26 pm