Service charges & community fees
5 questions · What service charges pay for, RERA & Mollak, disputes.
What service charges actually pay for
Common-area maintenance, security, building reserves, master-community upkeep — typically AED 10–25 per sqft per year.
How service-charge rates are set and approved
Management companies prepare a budget, RERA reviews it, and the rate per sqft is published in Mollak. Owners can challenge it.
Disputing your service charge
Pay first to keep your account current, then escalate via the management company → RERA → judicial committee if needed.
Owners Associations and Committees — who runs your community
Under JOPA Law (2019), buildings are managed by a Management Company. Owners can elect a Committee that represents the residents.
Late payment consequences for service charges
Late fees, possible utility disconnection, and ultimately a court case that can attach a charge to the property.