Dubai introduces new service charge disclosure rules for villa buyers

Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) has introduced mandatory service charge disclosure rules that require sellers and developers to provide a detailed breakdown of all service charges, maintenance fees, and sinking fund contributions before any Memorandum of Understanding is signed. The new rules, effective from 1 April 2026, are designed to eliminate the hidden costs that have caught out many villa buyers.

What must be disclosed

• Annual service charges per square foot, broken down by category (security, landscaping, common utilities).
• Sinking fund contributions for major maintenance and infrastructure replacement.
• Any outstanding service charge liabilities on the property.
• Five-year historical charge data and any announced increases.