What Are Service Charges?
Service charges are recurring fees paid by homeowners to cover the upkeep and management of their residential building or community. They typically include:
- Cleaning and general maintenance
- Security services
- Landscaping
- Waste disposal
- Repairs and building upkeep
- Management and administration
- Utilities, including DEWA
These charges apply to all property types in Dubai, residential or commercial, apartments or villas. The total amount depends on your property type and the services included in your service contract.
How Much Do Service Charges Cost?
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) provides a Service Charge Index to help homeowners understand approved fees across different communities.
Service charges are usually calculated per square foot, with prices ranging from AED 3 to AED 30 or more per square foot, depending on the property type and services provided. Common inclusions are security staff, cleaning, landscaping, and general maintenance.
Why Service Charges Vary
Service charges in Dubai are not uniform. The fee you pay depends on several factors:
- Property type: Villas generally have higher fees than apartments due to larger areas and gardens.
- Amenities offered: Communities with gyms, pools, parks, or private security often have higher service charges.
- Property management standards: Premium communities or established developers maintain higher standards, reflected in higher fees.
How to Find the Service Charge for a Property
The DLD Service Charge Index allows homeowners to check fees online or via the Dubai REST app. Payments can be made through the Mollak service, which deposits fees directly into DLD-approved bank accounts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Service Charges:
- Visit the DLD Service Charge Index: dubailand.gov.ae
- Click Access this service
- Enter the required details:
- Certificate number or title deed number
- Year of certificate issuance
- Property type
- Year for which you want the service charge information
- Verify yourself and complete the captcha
- Click Calculate
You can also use the locator map to see the property management company and get a breakdown of the fees.
Bottom Line: Service charges are a mandatory monthly expense for every property owner in Dubai. Knowing how they are calculated and what they cover ensures you can budget effectively and avoid surprises after your property purchase.
Data Source: IPS Letter | Dubai Land Department
