Strata Law will be delayed

Speaking at the Facilities and Asset Management conference in Dubai last month, Adrian Quinn, executive chairman, Essential Strata, who is liaising with the Dubai government on the implementation of the law, said: "Due to issues with certain major developers, the law might not now be finalised for a further three to six months."

When asked why the developers were causing the law to be delayed, Quinn said he couldn't comment any further.

However, a source close to the Strata Law implementation team exclusively revealed to facilities management Middle East, that the hold-up was due a major developer requesting "special privileges".

Apparently, the developer has asked for one of its high-profile projects to be exempt from the law so it is able to recoup some of the development costs of the project, in its forecasted service charges.

The Strata Law would take common area and service charge control away from developers and allowing the strata manager to manage the assets in the interest of the tenants.

facilities management Middle East contacted developers to find out their position on the Strata Law and reasons for its delay.

 "We will not be recouping any development costs through service charges. It would be totally untrue to suggest this," said a Nakheel spokesperson.

In a statement, Emaar said: "Emaar has been working closely with the Land Department and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) on the drafting and review of the proposed Strata Law.

It welcomes its implementation as a positive step in the development and management of freehold communities. Such a law will boost investor confidence and will give homeowners the opportunity to determine the well-being and future of their communities."