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Ownership cost / reviewed 2026-07-30

Service charge

The owner’s recurring contribution to the approved costs of operating, maintaining and reserving for a jointly owned property.

Service charge is an owner’s recurring contribution to the approved operation, maintenance and reserve costs of a jointly owned property. DLD provides a Service Charge Index and says Mollak issues invoices for payment to approved accounts. The amount varies by project, chargeable area and year, so buyers should verify the current approved figure rather than use a generic estimate.

Also used: Common service charge / Jointly owned-property charge / Mollak

See the practical consequence

01 / Practical consequence

Why this term changes the decision.

Service charge is part of the ongoing cost of ownership and changes the net carrying cost or rental return. The relevant figure is the approved charge for the property and financial year, not a generic rate quoted for an area.

First / Investor lens

Locate the effect on capital, timing, control, downside and exit evidence.

Then / Home and relocation lens

Locate the effect on use, handover, recurring obligations and long-term control.

02 / Official evidence

What the current authority record supports.

DLD says owners can obtain RERA-approved common-service charges through its Service Charge Index and Dubai REST. It also says Mollak issues invoices and directs payment to approved regulatory accounts.

Inspect 2 primary authority sources
  1. 01

    Dubai Land Department

    Service Charge Index

    Official service-charge lookup

  2. 02

    Dubai Land Department

    DLD frequently asked questions

    Mollak invoicing, payment and approved common charges

The authority record is the starting point. Live service wording, the registered record and the exact signed documents still govern the decision on the day it is made.

04 / Buyer questions

Ask before the next signature.

  1. 01

    What is the approved rate and chargeable area for this year?

  2. 02

    What do the budget and invoice include?

  3. 03

    Are there arrears, credits or special items attached to the unit?

  4. 04

    How does the verified annual amount change the net holding case?

05 / Related context

One definition rarely completes the transaction picture. Follow the directly connected terms, or return to the complete index.

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