Service Charges in Dubai: What Owners Pay and How to Check Them

Service charges are the annual fees owners pay to maintain and run the shared parts of a building or community. In Dubai they can make a real difference to your net return, so checking them is a key step before buying.

What service charges cover

• Cleaning and maintenance of common areas
• Security and concierge
• Lifts, pools, gyms and other shared facilities
• Building insurance
• Utilities for common areas, such as corridor lighting and chilled water for shared spaces
• Reserve funds for major repairs and replacements

They do not usually cover the utilities inside your own unit, which you pay through DEWA and, in some buildings, a separate district cooling provider.

How charges are calculated

Charges are set per square foot of your unit’s area, according to a budget approved through the Dubai Land Department and RERA system. Premium buildings with hotel-style services, large amenity spaces or branded management tend to have higher rates.

How to check a building’s charges

The DLD Service Charge Index lets you look up approved charges. You can search on the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app by title deed number, project name or the locator map. Do this before you sign an MOU, and ask the seller for a statement showing the account is up to date.

How charges are paid

Owners pay into RERA-approved accounts through Mollak, the DLD system for owners’ association finances. Unpaid charges must normally be cleared before a sale can be transferred, and the developer or management company will not issue a NOC until they are.

How charges affect your yield

A unit’s gross yield can look attractive, but service charges, maintenance and management fees come off the top. Always compare buildings on net yield. See our cost of buying guide for the one-off costs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check service charges for a Dubai building?

Use the DLD Service Charge Index on the Dubai Land Department website or Dubai REST app, searching by title deed number, project name or map.

Who pays service charges, owner or tenant?

The owner pays service charges. Tenants pay rent and their own utilities.

How are service charges paid in Dubai?

Through Mollak into RERA-approved accounts for the owners’ association.

Can I sell a property with unpaid service charges?

Outstanding charges usually have to be cleared before the developer or management company issues the NOC needed for transfer.

Talk to VVS Estate

Want a building comparison on net yield? Contact VVS Estate or see our financial planning and property management services.