Residents of buildings in Dubai’s freehold communities can face fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh1,000 for 23 listed offences.

These fines are part of the master community guidelines issued by master developers, or released by owners’ associations (OAs) to residents.

The fines are listed in four categories, which are general violations; damage/misuse of community facility/common area; violation of parking and traffic policies; and poor home maintenance/appearance.

Under the first category, residents face fines of Dh1,000 for violations such as abuse of community staff, hazardous activities, vandalism, short-term letting, illegal household staff and violation of terms against access control.

Violations in the second category such as damage/misuse of recreation area (parks, playgrounds), common area, sports area, swimming pools and plans can result in fines of Dh500.

In the third category, there are no fines issued, but violations of parking rules, road usage/safety and use of commercial vehicles are referred to local authorities, who are authorised to issue penalties.

Poor maintenance of garden and landscape, improper home maintenance/appearance, unauthorised exterior attachments/alterations, misuse of patios and balconies, and inadequate pest control can lead to fines of Dh1,000 under the fourth category.

“The Owners’ Association is the administrative party that represents the link between the owners and relevant government departments, suppliers and the main developer of the building, where they are responsible for the management, operation, maintenance and repair of common areas in the building, and must for this purpose maintain the property from any damage or harm,” Marwan Bin Ghalitha, CEO of Real Estate Regulatory Agency (Rera), the regulatory arm of Dubai Land Department, told Emirates 24|7.

“Any administrative procedures imposed by the OA are within the guidelines of Dubai Land Department and Rera to maintain the property and to maintain the comfort and happiness of the owners and tenants,” he added.

Source: emirates247.com