Q. Why are Owners Association charges so high?

A.  Not only does the Association provide for a myriad of services, but it also makes provision for maintenance and future repairs. Instead of a “special assessment” surprise to each owner if the elevator breaks, that “emergency fund” is already budgeted and the repairs can be made promptly and efficiently.

You may find that even the highest association fee will be lower than ordering services independently. You can check with similar associations (quality, types of amenities and number of units) as to their service charges.  In addition you can receive a copy of the financials and budget and check the reasonableness of the cost functions.  In the end if you still need help you can contact an accounting firm that has knowledge in the field and ask them for assistance.  RERA may have a list of accounting firms that have done work with associations.

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If you have a question on jointly owned property and owner associations please send it Charles at crosenbaum@hoam.ae.  We cannot guarantee a personal answer to your questions but a selection of questions and answers will be featured regularly here on the site.

HOAM information can be found at www.hoam.ae.
Tel: 00971 4 335 5523