Is a solar water heater the landlord's responsibility in Dubai?

Yes — a solar water heater is part of the property's infrastructure and is the landlord's responsibility to maintain and repair under Dubai tenancy law, regardless of what your landlord claims. It was present when you moved in and forms part of the building's hot water system. On whether to repair or replace: solar water heaters in Dubai typically last 10–15 years. If it's over 10 years old and has failed, replacement is often more economical than repair — parts can be difficult to source for older units. A replacement solar water heater in Dubai costs AED 2,500–AED 6,000 installed depending on tank capacity. Push your landlord in writing for replacement rather than repair if the unit is old. Reference Dubai tenancy law and mention RERA if they resist — most landlords comply rather than face a formal complaint over a relatively small cost.