Questions & Answers
What are the laws regarding chilled water supply in residential buildings?
Hello,
What are the laws regarding chilled water supply in residential buildings and its effect on air conditioning output?
I recently bought an apartment, and despite servicing all the AC units, we cannot get temperatures lower than 25°C in the living area and 23°C in the bedrooms.
An independent AC company evaluated this and reported that the chilled water supply to my unit is 20°C, while it should be 7-8°C. What rights do I have in this situation before approaching building management?
I am paying for chiller services but not receiving the expected performance.
Thank you!
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the chilled water supply and its impact on your air conditioning system!
In Dubai, the supply of chilled water and its effect on the cooling efficiency of your AC units is indeed a critical aspect of your residential living conditions.
If the chilled water supplied to your unit is significantly higher than the standard 7-8 degrees, as your independent AC company has indicated, this could be a breach of the service level agreement you have with the chiller service provider.
You have the right to demand that the services you are paying for meet the agreed-upon standards.
Before approaching the building management, it would be prudent to gather all the necessary evidence, such as the report from the independent AC company, your service agreements, and any other documentation that supports your claim.
I can assist you in reviewing these documents, drafting a formal complaint to the building management or the service provider, and advising you on the next steps if the issue is not resolved satisfactorily.
Please feel free to reach out to me through WhatsApp or phone at [-------] to discuss this matter further. I would be happy to assist you in protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the services you are entitled to.
Best regards,
Suhail Rana
Dear Questioner,
Based on the information you've provided, there seems to be a clear discrepancy between the expected chilled water temperature and what you're receiving.
You may contact Building Management, clearly explain the issue, and provide the AC company's report.
Request a thorough inspection of the chilled water system and your AC units and follow up with them. This will be the best option.
If you need further clarification, you may ask us.
Dear Questioner,
There are several legal and technical aspects to consider:
- Chilled Water Supply Standards:
Typically, standards for chilled water supply are set by the service providers, and there may be specific requirements in supply contracts or regulatory laws outlining the required temperatures.
In your case, if the chilled water supply should be at 7-8 degrees but you are receiving 20 degrees, this might indicate a problem with the service.
- Your Rights as a Consumer:
As a property owner, you have rights regarding the quality of services you receive. If the chilled water supply does not meet the agreed standards or the conditions stipulated in the contract, you are entitled to file a complaint.
- Actions You Can Take:
Contact the Building Management: Start by contacting the building management or facilities committee to report the issue. Provide them with the report from the independent company that assessed the problem.
Contact the company: File a formal complaint against the company, stating that the chilled water temperature does not meet the agreed standards and is affecting the performance of the air conditioning in your apartment.
Review the Contract: Check your contract with them for any clauses related to compensation or procedures if the service does not meet the specified standards.
- Arbitration or Filing a Complaint:
If the issue is not resolved after contacting the building management and the company, you might consider filing a formal complaint with a regulatory body responsible for cooling services or seeking arbitration to resolve the dispute.
If you need further legal advice on your rights and how to handle the situation, you can contact us for specialized advice.
Dear Questioner,
If you're having issues with chilled water supply and air conditioning in your home, here's a simplified approach to follow:
1. Know Your HVAC System:
Understand how the HVAC system works in your building, as many have centralized chillers.
2. Check Management’s Role:
Building management usually maintains HVAC systems. If the chilled water is too warm (above 7-8°C), it's likely their responsibility.
3. Review Your Contact or HOA Rules:
Look for any terms about HVAC maintenance in your contract or HOA agreement to know your rights.
4. Document Everything:
Keep detailed records of your communications and any temperature readings to support your case.
5. Report the Issue:
Formally notify building management about the issue, providing all evidence and explaining how it's affecting you.
6. Request a Solution:
Ask for a timeline to fix the problem, especially during extreme weather.
7. Escalate If Needed:
If management doesn't respond, consider:
- Consulting a lawyer if it's affecting your living conditions.
- Filing a complaint with local authorities.
8. Consider Mediation:
If tensions rise, mediation services can help resolve disputes without direct conflict.
Laws vary by location, so check with local tenant rights groups for specific advice.
