Dubai Court Rules Buyers Must Pay Service Fees from Project Completion

Saturday, 4 October 2025

The Dubai Rental Disputes Centre has issued a landmark ruling requiring property buyers to pay service fees from the date of project completion, even before handover. The decision resolves long-standing disputes between developers and buyers while reinforcing Dubai’s real estate regulations and investor confidence.

Key Highlights:

Judicial Precedent: Buyers must pay service fees from project completion, regardless of handover status.
Legal Basis: Anchored in Law No. (6) of 2019 on Jointly Owned Properties.
Clarity on Disputes: Resolves recurring conflicts over responsibility for service charges between developers and buyers.
Authority Ruling: Buyers listed in the preliminary register are liable from completion date or payment default.
Judge’s Statement: Decision secures uninterrupted services, strengthens fairness, and prevents loopholes in property management.
Sector Impact: Reinforces confidence in Dubai’s regulatory framework and protects compliant property owners.
Execution Milestone: Rental Disputes Centre closed 49,817 execution files in 2024 and launched a self-execution service for fee claims.