- Who is Liable to Pay Service Charges
- How to Calculate Service Charges
- Comparison Between Villas and Apartments Service Charges
- FAQs
Service charges in Dubai are mandatory fees that property owners pay to maintain shared facilities. These charges cover cleaning, security, landscaping and building maintenance. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) regulates them to ascertain transparency and fairness. Rates differ based on the property type and location. Understanding how service charges are calculated helps owners accurately verify costs and plan their property-related expenses.
Who Is Liable to Pay Service Charges in Dubai
In Dubai, the responsibility for paying service charges is clearly defined under Jointly Owned Property Law (Law No. (6) of 2019), ensuring accountability among property owners and developers. Under this law, the property owner holds the primary legal responsibility to pay service charges.
- If a lease states the tenant must pay, the owner remains liable if the tenant fails to do so.
- Unless specified otherwise in the lease, the owner must pay all service and usage charges under Article 16(b).
- For unsold units, the developer is responsible for covering service charges as outlined in the sale or contract documents.
- Each owner’s share is calculated based on the area of their unit relative to the total jointly owned property recorded in the register.
- Mollak manages the budgeting, auditing and approval of service charges to ensure transparency.
How to Calculate Service Charges on Property in Dubai
The total service charges applied to a property depend on several factors, including the community’s location, the type of project and how the property is used (commercial or residential). The property service charge is calculated per square foot.
You can calculate a property’s service charges through various channels, including the Dubai REST App and the Dubai Land Department website.
Calculate Service Charges on Property Through the DLD Website
Follow the steps detailed below to calculate the service charges on a property through the DLD Website:
Calculate the Service Charges Through ‘Title Deed No.’ Option:
- Open the website and select ‘Title Deed No.’ from the drop-down list.
- Enter certificate no., certificate year, property type and budget year.
- Click on Calculate and the results for service charges will be displayed.
Calculate the Service Charges Through the ‘Service Charge Index’ Option:
- Open the website and select ‘Service Charge Index’ from the drop-down list.
- Enter the project name, the purpose of usage and the year.
- Click on Calculate and the results for service charges will be displayed.
Calculate the Service Charges Through the ‘Select on Map’ Option:
- Open the website and choose the ‘Select on Map’ option from the drop-down list.
- Locate the area where you wish to find the service charges. After clicking on the desired area, the project name, usage and year will be displayed.
- Click on Calculate and the results for service charges will be displayed.
Calculate Service Charges on Property Through the Dubai REST App
Follow the steps detailed below to find out the service charges on a property through the Dubai REST App.
- Open the Dubai REST App and choose the ‘Services’ option from the tab at the bottom.
- From the Services window, select ‘Service Charge Index’.
- You will be asked to either enter the property’s details manually or locate it on the map.
- Once the details have been entered, hit ‘Search’.
- The results of service charges applicable to the said property will be displayed.
Comparison Between Villa and Apartment Service Charges in Dubai
Here are some examples from the Dubai Service Charges Index showing average rates across popular areas in the emirate.
Disclaimer: These are the latest available service charges as per the DLD Service Charge Index and may change over time. For the most up-to-date breakdown of service charges for any property type in Dubai, you are advised to visit the DLD’s official Service Charge Index portal.
Service Charges for Apartments in Dubai
Apartment service charges in Dubai differ by area and building type. To illustrate, we’ve taken Serenia Residences on Palm Jumeirah as an example. Below is a breakdown of the service charges you can expect to pay while living in this development.
Usage: Residential
Year: 2025
Start Date: 1/1/2025
End Date: 31/12/2025
Managed by: Palma Community Management Services L.L.C
| Service Charges | Rate (AED/Sq.Ft) |
| Services | 6.07 |
| Maintenance | 5.44 |
| Improvement | 0.60 |
| Utilities Services | 7.10 |
| Management Services | 2.09 |
| Insurance | 0.28 |
| Master Community | 1.44 |
| Income | -0.60 |
| General Fund | 22.42 |
| Reserved Fund | 1.20 |
| Total | 23.62 |
Service Charges for Villas in Dubai
Service charges for villas in Dubai differ slightly from those for apartments. To illustrate, we’ve chosen Balqis Residences on Palm Jumeirah as an example. Below is an overview of the service charges applicable to villa owners in this community, as per the Dubai Land Department.
Usage: Residential
Year: 2025
Start Date: 1/1/2025
End Date: 31/12/2025
Managed by: Saga International Owner Association Management Services L.L.C
| Service Charges | Rate (AED/Sq.Ft) |
| Services | 1.90 |
| Maintenance | 1.81 |
| Improvement | 0.43 |
| Utilities Services | 0.54 |
| Management Services | 1.05 |
| Insurance | 0.49 |
| Master Community | 0.97 |
| Income | -0.40 |
| General Fund | 6.79 |
| Reserved Fund | 2.45 |
| Total | 9.24 |
FAQs
What is the purpose of property service charges in Dubai?
Property service charges make sure common facilities such as lifts, corridors, gardens, pools and security systems are well-maintained and fully operational throughout the year.
How often are property service charges paid in Dubai?
Service charges are usually billed annually but may be collected quarterly or biannually, depending on the property management company’s policy.
What happens if an owner fails to pay service charges on property?
Non-payment can lead to penalties, legal notices and in extreme cases, restrictions on selling or transferring the property until all dues are cleared.
Are service charges refundable if a property remains vacant?
No. Service charges apply regardless of whether the property is occupied or vacant since maintenance of shared facilities continues year-round.
That is all about service charges on property in Dubai and how to calculate them. Whether you are selling, renting or buying property in Dubai, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations of the Dubai real estate market.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading property blog for information on laws and regulations.
