Chiller and AC in Dubai: what tenants need to know

There are three common set-ups. Ask which one your apartment has before you sign.

Chiller-free doesn't mean free AC in every sense. What chiller-free really includes.

1. Ask building management which company handles cooling for your exact unit. How to find your provider.
2. Register with that provider using your Ejari, Emirates ID and tenancy contract. Step-by-step registration.
3. Pay the deposit and activation fee. Amounts depend on the provider and your unit's cooling capacity.
4. Test the AC before moving day.

Cooling is separate from DEWA. Activating DEWA doesn't switch on your chiller account.

Yes, once your Ejari is done and the provider's requirements are complete. Apply a few working days before moving day: Empower takes about 1 to 3 working days, and Emicool up to 2 business days once everything is paid. Fixed capacity charges start when your account starts, so don't activate weeks early.

Don't assume so. Unlike DEWA's Move-to, there's no standard transfer. If both homes use the same provider, ask if they can move your deposit or credit across. Otherwise, close the old account, pay the final bill, request your deposit refund, and register fresh with the new provider.

It depends on your tenancy contract. Common arrangements:

• "Landlord pays all cooling": should cover both the fixed capacity charge and consumption. Check it also covers metering fees.
• "Landlord pays capacity, tenant pays consumption": you pay only for what you use.
• Just "chiller-free" or "AC included": ask for written clarification of exactly which charges are covered.

More on how bills work: fixed capacity charges explained.

It can delay your activation, for example where a provider requires the landlord's account to be cleared first. It doesn't make the debt yours. Ask the provider which account owes money, tell your landlord in writing, and don't pay any balance from before your tenancy.

1. Set each thermostat to cool, a few degrees below room temperature.
2. Let it run 15 to 30 minutes and check every room.
3. Feel for cold air, not just a running fan.
4. Look and listen for drips, damp patches, rattling or odd smells.
5. Record any fault in your handover report with photos or video.

If cooling isn't active yet, mark it "not tested" and book a re-check.

Start with your building's facilities management. They'll check whether it's the equipment in your apartment or the cooling supply, and bring in the provider if needed. Then tell your landlord, especially if parts or repairs are needed. If you smell burning or see water near electrics, switch the unit off and call building emergency maintenance.

It depends on the maintenance clause in your contract. Routine servicing and filter cleaning are often the tenant's job; repairs and replacement parts usually fall to the landlord; duct cleaning varies. "Chiller-free" doesn't cover servicing. Get it in writing before you book or pay for anything.