Owners' committees in Dubai: how jointly owned property is run
What the Dubai Land Department says about owners' committees and management companies.
If you buy an apartment in a building with shared facilities, an owners' committee and a management company are part of the picture. This guide summarises the Dubai Land Department (DLD) frequently asked questions on jointly owned property.
- 01The committee is formed from the owners of the units.
- 02It is formed once at least 10% of the units are registered in owners' names.
- 03A licensed management company runs the shared facilities.
- 04Service charge budgets are approved by RERA.
What the committee is
According to DLD, an owners' committee is formed from the owners of the units who meet the conditions for membership. It is formed for the categories of project set out in Law No. 6 of 2019 on jointly owned property in Dubai.
The committee is formed once at least 10% of the total number of units are registered in the names of unit owners in the real estate registry.
Who can be a member
- Full legal capacity.
- An owner residing in the jointly owned property.
- Good conduct.
- Commitment to paying the service and usage charges.
- Attending the committee meetings and taking part in them.
The management company
The management company is licensed under the system and approved by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). It manages the shared facilities and common parts of the project, maintains them and receives and resolves owners' queries and complaints.
DLD's Mollak system registers management companies and monitors service charges in jointly owned properties in Dubai.
Who approves the charges
The budget for service or usage charges is approved by RERA after an audit by one of the certified auditing offices approved by RERA. DLD says management companies should not claim service charges before RERA approves them.
If something goes wrong
For complaints about low service levels or maintenance, owners can use the Dubai REST app and file a complaint in the Real Estate Violations System (RVS). If services are disconnected, owners use the same route, while tenants go to the Rental Disputes Center.
Tax position
0% income tax and 0% property tax*: the UAE does not levy income tax on individuals, and income from real estate held in a personal capacity, without a commercial licence, is outside UAE Corporate Tax.
*T&Cs apply.
Talk to an advisor
An iRealtor advisor can explain the steps and shortlist homes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including off-plan launches.
This article is general guidance, not tax, legal or financial advice.
FAQs
When is an owners' committee formed?
When at least 10% of the total number of units are registered in the names of unit owners in the real estate registry.
Who approves service charges?
RERA approves the budget after an audit by one of its approved auditing offices.
Where do I complain about poor maintenance?
In the Dubai REST app, through the Real Estate Violations System.
