Finance & FeesUpdated March 1, 2026· 3 min read
Service Charges
What is Service Charges?
Service charges in Dubai are annual community fees paid by property owners to cover building maintenance, security, cleaning and shared-amenity operation. They are regulated by RERA and administered through the Mollak system, and typically range from AED 10 to AED 30 per square foot per year.
Definition
Service charges vary by community and building tier. Mollak (RERA's escrow platform for service charges) ensures collected fees are used only for the approved community budget.
Key Facts
- 1Range: AED 10–30 per sqft/year.
- 2Administered via Mollak (RERA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay service charges every year?
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Yes, they are recurring annual fees required to maintain building operations.
References & Further Reading
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) — official transaction & title records.
- Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) — Ejari, Mollak & rental index.
- Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) — Holiday Home permits.
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) — visa rules.
This entry is editorial and informational. It does not constitute legal, financial or tax advice.