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Unpaid service charges stay with the unit
The management company holds a lien on a unit for unpaid charges, and the unit cannot be sold until they are paid.
What the source says
"The Management Entity will have a lien on every Unit for unpaid Service Charges in respect thereof. A Unit may not be disposed of unless these charges are paid to the Management Entity."
Law No. (6) of 2019, Article 32(a)
| Status | Confirmed - The official source states this rule in the words quoted. |
|---|---|
| Instrument | Law No. (6) of 2019, Article 32(a) |
| Authority | Dubai Government |
| In force since | 2019 |
| Last checked | 26 September 2026 |
| Source | Dubai Government |
Read the full guide
This rule is explained in context, with the costs and steps around it, in Mollak.
More rules on service charges
- Service charges need RERA approval - Confirmed
- Service charge budgets must be audited - Confirmed
- Service charge money is ring-fenced - Confirmed
- Three-year fixed service charge budgets - Confirmed
See all 60 rules in the register.
Cite this rule
Home Guide Dubai, "Unpaid service charges stay with the unit", Dubai property rules register, last checked 26 September 2026.
https://homeguidedubai.com/rules/service-charges-lien/
This link stays the same when the rule changes. If the rule changes, this page shows the new text and the date it changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this still the rule today?
We last read the source on 26 September 2026. Rules in Dubai change by circular and by edits to service pages, often without notice. Check the source linked above, and ask Dubai Government in writing before a large payment.
Where does this rule come from?
Law No. (6) of 2019, Article 32(a), published by Dubai Government. The quote on this page is copied word for word from that source.
Sources
- Law No. (6) of 2019, Article 32(a) - Dubai Government - accessed 26 September 2026
Every rule above is quoted from the law, decree or official page on the date given. This is general information, not legal advice; rules change, so confirm the current position with the authority named before you act.