Dubai's Jointly Owned Property Law Explained (2026 Owner's Guide)
Law No. 6 of 2019 replaced the 2007 Jointly Owned Property Law — here's what changed, what it means for owners, and how OAs actually work today.
Dubai's Jointly Owned Property Law (JOP) is what makes apartment ownership possible in the emirate — it defines what you own, what's common, and how Owners Associations operate. Law No. 6 of 2019 significantly modernised the regime. Here's what every owner needs to know.
- Law No. 6 of 2019 governs every jointly owned building in Dubai.
- Mollak escrow is mandatory for all service charges — no exceptions.
- Owner voting is proportional to unit area, not equal per unit.
- Every AGM requires 25% quorum by ownership area to be valid.
- Every owner right (voting, objection, dispute) is enforceable at RERA and RDSC.
What changed from the 2007 law
- Mollak escrow is now mandatory — no OA can invoice outside it.
- Developer must transfer common areas to the OA within a defined timeline.
- RERA has stronger dispute-resolution and enforcement powers.
- Reserve fund contributions are explicitly regulated.
- Owner voting rights are proportional to unit area, not equal per unit.
What you own vs what's common
- Your unit — the space within the boundary walls, floor, and ceiling.
- Common areas (jointly owned) — corridors, lifts, lobbies, gyms, pools, common landscaping.
- Structural elements (jointly owned) — building shell, façade, structural columns and slabs, roof.
- Utility systems (jointly owned) — MEP risers, main pumps, generators, fire panel.
How OA governance works under the law
- Annual General Assembly (AGM) is mandatory — quorum is 25% of ownership by area.
- Owners elect a Board of Directors (typically 3–7 members).
- Board appoints an OA Management Company (registered with RERA).
- Budget, service charge rates, and major capex require owner vote.
- Meetings, votes, and resolutions can be conducted electronically under 2020 amendments.
Your rights as an owner
- Vote at every AGM (proportional to your unit area).
- Stand for the Board of Directors.
- Access every OA financial record.
- Object to any service charge line item through Mollak.
- Enforce your rights through RERA and RDSC.
Developer obligations
The developer must: register the tower's Jointly Owned Property Declaration, transfer common areas within the timeline specified in the JOPD, seed the reserve fund at handover, and hold an initial AGM within 6 months of the first title deed transfer. Failure to do so is enforceable at RERA.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Jointly Owned Property Law in Dubai?
Law No. 6 of 2019 governs every apartment, mixed-use, and jointly owned building in Dubai. It defines unit and common ownership, mandates Mollak escrow, and structures OA governance.
Do I have to attend the AGM?
You have the right to attend and vote. If you can't attend physically, you can vote electronically or by proxy. Owners representing 25% of the building by area must be present or represented for the AGM to be valid.
Who owns the roof of a Dubai apartment building?
The roof is a common area owned jointly by all unit owners in proportion to their unit area. Individual owners can't build on or modify the roof without an OA vote and RERA approval.
Can the developer keep managing the OA?
Only for a defined initial period after the JOPD is registered. After that, control transfers to the elected owner Board, who appoints a RERA-registered OA management company.
What if the developer refuses to transfer common areas?
File a complaint with RERA's OA regulatory desk. RERA can impose fines, force transfer, and appoint an interim OA manager. Individual owners can also file at RDSC for damages.
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