Who pays for AC duct cleaning in Dubai rentals?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be blowing out a lot more dust than usual, coating our furniture every couple of days. We've been in this rental for about a year and a half and have never had the ducts cleaned. My landlord is saying it's a tenant responsibility for general upkeep, but I feel like this might fall under building maintenance. Who is typically responsible for scheduling and paying for duct cleaning in a Dubai rental?
Posted by Chiara Flores
Asked on April 4, 2026 4:59 am
0
In Dubai's rental market, the responsibility for AC duct cleaning is a common point of contention. The general rule, as often stipulated by the Dubai Land Department's rental laws, is that structural and major system maintenance falls to the landlord. This typically includes the central AC unit and the embedded ductwork system within the building's structure.

However, general upkeep and maintenance of the living environment, such as replacing filters, are the tenant's responsibility. The key distinction is whether the issue is due to normal wear and tear or a pre-existing/systemic problem. Given the extreme climate—with year-round AC usage, high humidity promoting microbial growth, and constant fine dust—ducts accumulate significant contaminants much faster than in milder environments. Your experience of excessive dust coating furniture strongly suggests a buildup within the ducts that goes beyond simple filter changes.

We strongly advise against accepting responsibility without a professional assessment. The landlord may be liable if the issue is due to the system's age, poor design, or damage. The most prudent first step is to formally request your landlord to arrange for a professional indoor environmental quality inspection. This will definitively identify the source and severity of the contamination and determine the necessary remediation.

For an authoritative inspection and comprehensive duct cleaning service that addresses Dubai-specific challenges, we recommend contacting Saniservice. Their experts can provide a detailed report to clarify responsibility with your landlord. You can reach them for a consultation at 800-66537 or via email at hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 7, 2026 9:55 am