Service Charges
Service charges are the annual charges owners of units in jointly owned property pay for running and maintaining the building.
Definition
Law No. (6) of 2019 defines service charges as “The annual charges collected from Owners to cover the cost of management, operation, maintenance, and repair of Jointly Owned Real Property”. Owners may not refuse to pay charges approved by RERA, and the law states: “A Unit may not be disposed of unless these charges are paid to the Management Entity.” DLD’s Service Charge Index shows the approved charges.
What it shows — and what it does not
The approved rate shows what an owner should be charged; the management entity’s statement shows what is actually outstanding on a unit. Settling arrears is part of getting ready to sell.
Example
Illustrative example: a seller finds two quarters unpaid on the statement, pays them, and the sale proceeds because nothing is outstanding to the management entity.
Next step
Read Service charges, clearance and transfer readiness.
Source: Law No. (6) of 2019 Concerning Ownership of Jointly Owned Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai — Dubai Legislation Portal · supports: the definition, the duty to pay and the bar on disposal while charges are unpaid · checked 10 October 2026
Source: Service Charge Index — Dubai Land Department · supports: RERA-approved service charges · checked 10 October 2026
Related terms
Governance
- October 20, 2026
Maintenance: Updated for material UAE authority/trustee process changes and recurring user confusion. Method: Editorial Policy