Office Aircon Not Cold: Who Pays, Tenant or Landlord?
Aircon case in Tanjong Pagar, Singapore: cooling loss traced to rust-related gas leak at outdoor unit pipe joints — normal wear and not caused by tenant misuse after targeted diagnosis checks.
Case Details
| Unit | LGCassette |
|---|---|
| Age | 5 years old |
| Location | OfficeTanjong Pagar, Singapore |
| Reported | The office aircon had stopped cooling. The tenant had asked the landlord to arrange repair, but the landlord disputed responsibility, stating daily use by the tenant was the cause. An independent diagnosis was requested to determine the actual fault. |
What We Checked
- Gas pressure was below the normal range on the ceiling cassette circuit.
- Indoor cassette unit was clean and well-maintained — filters had been serviced regularly.
- Outdoor unit pipe joints showed rust and green buildup at the fittings.
- Bubble test confirmed active leak at the outdoor unit gas line connection.
- LG error code CH35 was active, consistent with low-pressure protection.
- No signs of tenant-caused damage — the fault was rust from years of outdoor exposure.
The Diagnosis
The gas leak was caused by rust at the outdoor unit pipe joints — normal wear from years of weather exposure, not from misuse or neglect. The indoor unit had been well-kept with regular filter cleaning, and the outdoor rust pattern matched the kind of aging we see on units this old. We recorded the findings with photos and test data for both sides.
What Fixed It
We gave both sides a written report covering the leak location, rust evidence, and our finding that the fault was normal wear. We advised outdoor unit replacement since the rust had spread across the joint area. The report was used to discuss cost responsibility based on lease terms. The landlord approved the replacement. The tenant was not charged.
The landlord approved outdoor unit replacement based on the written report. A new matching outdoor unit was installed, the system was pressure-tested and recharged. Cooling returned to normal in the office with no further gas loss.
Why This Happens
How to handle aircon repair disputes between tenant and landlord.
- Clear records of the fault — including photos, test results, and a written finding — help both sides agree on who should pay.
- Rust from weather exposure is normal wear over time. It usually falls under the landlord's duty to maintain building fixtures.
- Tenant-caused issues usually involve dirty filters, thermostat misuse, or physical damage — none of which cause outdoor unit pipe rust.
- A neutral third-party finding can stop disputes from growing and speed up the repair decision.
Related Reading
Guides, troubleshooting, and diagnostic case studies to help you make informed decisions.
Same situation with your aircon?
Describe what’s happening. We’ll work out the likely cause and tell you the right next step.
WhatsApp us