Mollak is Dubai Land Department’s system for governing jointly owned properties and monitoring service charges. For an apartment owner, its practical value is simple: the charge should connect to an approved budget, the registered unit and a regulated payment route.
Mollak does not mean every building has the same rate or that every line on an owner statement is self-explanatory. The project, financial year and unit details must match.
1. What Mollak covers
DLD says Mollak registers management companies, management contracts, auditors, financial institutions and jointly owned property projects. It supports requests for regulated bank accounts, approval of service-charge budgets, invoicing and electronic payment. It operates against DLD-approved owner and unit data.
2. Why service charges differ by building and year
Article 25 of Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019 requires an owner to pay a share of annual service charges for managing, operating, maintaining and repairing common parts. The share is calculated using the approved method and the unit area recorded in the Real Property Register. Budgets reflect the particular project’s services, contracts, insurance, utilities and maintenance needs.
DLD’s approval service requires a detailed annual budget, supplier tenders, service and maintenance contracts, utilities and insurance documents, plus an external audit report. A published rate is therefore project- and year-specific.
3. What an owner should match on an invoice
| Field | Owner check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Project and unit | Match title deed and unit number | Avoid applying another unit’s data |
| Financial year | Use the correct approved period | Rates can change by budget year |
| Charge area and rate | Compare with the service-charge index | Explains the base calculation |
| Opening balance and payments | Reconcile with receipts | Find missing or duplicated entries |
| Regulated account | Use the account or gateway stated in the official invoice | Protects the payment route |
4. How owners pay and keep evidence
DLD’s FAQ says owners receive an email or SMS from Mollak and can pay through approved electronic channels. Published options include direct deposit to the regulatory bank account shown on the invoice, with proof sent to the management company, or Noqodi. Keep the invoice, bank reference and management acknowledgement together.
5. Questions and complaints should start with a reconciliation
Ask the management company for an itemised statement, approved rate and allocation of any balance. DLD identifies the management company as responsible for building management, common-facility maintenance and owner enquiries. For low service or maintenance standards, owners can use Dubai REST and the Real Estate Violations System. A payment dispute and a service-quality complaint may need different evidence.
Practical checklist
Eight checks for a Mollak service-charge invoice
Use this before payment or when asking for a reconciliation.
0 of 8 checks completed
Frequently asked questions
What is Mollak in Dubai?
Mollak is DLD and RERA’s system for governing jointly owned properties, approving and monitoring service charges, issuing invoices and supporting regulated payment routes.
Can an owner check the approved service-charge rate?
Yes. DLD directs owners to the Service Charge Index on its website or Dubai REST, using the project, use and financial year.
Who pays service charges in a rented apartment?
DLD says the owner is responsible unless the lease states that the tenant will pay. The owner should still check how the building account and invoice are recorded.
Where should a Mollak invoice be paid?
Use the approved channel stated in the invoice or notification, such as the regulatory bank account or the published Noqodi route. Keep proof and notify management where required.
Can a management company charge any rate it chooses?
Service and usage charge budgets for jointly owned property require RERA approval through Mollak. Check the project and year rather than relying on an old rate.
How can an owner complain about poor common-area maintenance?
DLD directs owners to submit a complaint through Dubai REST using the Real Estate Violations System. Keep dated evidence and prior management correspondence.
Official sources
- Dubai Land Department: Mollak
- Dubai Land Department: Mollak and Service Charge FAQs
- Dubai Land Department: Approval of Service and Usage Charges
- Dubai Legislation: Law No. 6 of 2019 on Jointly Owned Property
- Dubai Land Department: Dubai REST
Disclaimer: This article provides general information, not legal, technical, financial or contractual advice. Rules, charges and service procedures can change; verify the contract and the official service that applies to the specific property before making a decision or payment.
