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29 March 2024

Some Dubai landlords introduce 'maintenance fee'

Published
By Sneha May Francis

Some residents in Muhasinah have complained that they have had to cough up an additional amount towards maintenance of the buildings where they have rented out apartments.

The notice put up by a real estate company in Dubai. (Supplied)

Introduced as  “maintenance fee”, the amount was charged over and above the annual rent.

“We have been living in this area for over four years and this is the first time that we have been asked to pay extra towards building maintenance,” a resident informed.

She was, however, unsure about what the amount would cover. “I’m guessing we would not have to shell out for minor works in our apartment.”

For last two years, she has been paying Dh75,000 as rent for their 3-bedroom apartment.

This year, however, the rent was hiked to Dh80,000. “In addition to that, we’ve had to shell out Dh2,000.”

A notice, addressed to the tenants, posted in the main reception area of the same building, reiterated her claim.

“Please be informed that starting January 2014 there will be an additional Dh2,000 as payment for service charge or admin fee every renewal year,” the notice read.

Another resident in the same building reasoned that these could be clever ways to collect more money from each tenant.

“The landlords know that there is a lot of demand now, and residents won’t move out. This is their way of cashing in on that,” he added.

When ‘Emirates24|7’ conducted a quick round-up of the area, we did find buildings that didn’t charge the extra “maintenance fee”.