When are 2026 service charge budgets published?

RERA requires publication by mid-December 2025 for the 2026 financial year.

Can service charges increase mid-year?

No. Once approved by RERA, the rate stays fixed for the calendar year unless an extraordinary general meeting approves a change.

Who pays service charge, landlord or tenant?

Standard Ejari contracts place responsibility on the landlord, but always confirm in the tenancy agreement.

Are district cooling fees included in service charge?

Usually not. In Downtown and some Marina towers, district cooling is billed separately by Empower.

Dubai Property Service Charge 2026: Average per Sq Ft

What are service charges in Dubai?

Service charges cover maintenance, security, shared facilities and insurance for common areas. RERA requires developers to publish annual budgets, and owners pay monthly or quarterly based on their unit size. Rates differ by community age, facilities and management quality.

2026 average rates by community

Figures below reflect 2026 budgets published by RERA-registered buildings. All amounts are in AED per square foot per year.

Community	1-bed avg	2-bed avg	3-bed avg
Dubai Marina	18	17	16
Downtown Dubai	24	22	21
JVC	13	12	11

Dubai Marina

Marina towers built 2005-2015 typically charge 16-19 AED per sq ft. Newer buildings with larger pools, gyms and 24-hour concierge sit at the higher end. A 900 sq ft 1-bedroom averages 16,200 AED yearly, paid in four quarterly instalments.

Downtown Dubai

Premium towers around Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall carry higher costs due to luxury finishes and extensive common areas. Expect 21-25 AED per sq ft. A 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom can reach 26,400 AED annually. Owners receive detailed quarterly statements from the building management.

Jumeirah Village Circle

JVC remains more affordable. Mid-rise buildings charge 11-14 AED per sq ft. A 1,100 sq ft 2-bedroom averages 13,200 AED yearly. Many communities include basic gym and pool access within this fee.

How service charges are calculated and paid

RERA-approved budget is issued each December for the following calendar year.
Charge equals unit size in sq ft multiplied by the published rate.
Payments are collected by the building management company, often via bank transfer or the RERA portal.
Late payments incur 5% annual interest after the due date stated on the invoice.

Tips for expat buyers and tenants

Request the last three years of service charge statements before purchase.
Check if the rate includes district cooling charges, which are billed separately in many Downtown towers.
Tenants should confirm in the tenancy contract who pays the service charge; landlords usually cover it, but confirm in writing.
Compare total ownership costs: service charge plus DEWA, internet and 5% DLD transfer fee on resale.

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