If you own property in Dubai (or are thinking about it), you’ve probably heard of Mollak system. It’s RERA’s platform for keeping service charges in check and making sure escrow accounts are handled properly. In plain English: Mollak helps you double-check that your service charges are fair, and gives you a way to challenge anything that doesn’t look right.
If you’re already an owner, you’ll mostly use Mollak system to track service charges and raise disputes. If you’re buying off-plan, Mollak also keeps an eye on your escrow account during construction. I’ll walk you through both sides here, as part of my ongoing deep dive into Dubai property.
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What is the Mollak system?
So what exactly is Mollak? In short, it’s RERA’s way of bringing some much-needed transparency to two big things: service charges for current owners, and escrow accounts for off-plan projects. Before Mollak, there wasn’t really a single, standard way to keep track of all this stuff. Now, there is.
If you already own a place, Mollak is your go-to for checking how your service charges are calculated and for raising any issues if something feels off. If you’re buying off-plan, Mollak system is the system that keeps your payments safe while your property is being built.
For the escrow-account side specifically: RERA Escrow Accounts — How Your Off-Plan Money Is Protected
How does Mollak regulate service charges?
Here’s how it works: Mollak system makes it mandatory for owners’ associations and property managers to register and share their service charge budgets on the platform. This means you’re not left guessing how your fees are calculated, and you have a clear paper trail if you ever want to ask questions or challenge a charge.
Ideally, any service charge budget you see on Mollak system should be itemised and make sense—not just a random number someone decided on. Of course, some buildings and management companies are better at this than others, so the level of detail can still vary.
How do you dispute a service charge through Mollak?
If you think your service charge isn’t fair, start by bringing it up with your owners’ association or property manager. If that doesn’t get you anywhere, you can take it up with RERA through their official channels (they’re the folks behind Mollak). The more specific you are—and the more paperwork you have to back you up—the stronger your case will be.
- Step one: Ask for the itemised service charge budget for your building. This should be available from your owners’ association or management company—don’t be shy about requesting it.
- Facing a service charge dispute in Dubai? Learn how the Mollak system works, how disputes are handled, and what property owners can do if they believe their charges are incorrect.
- Once you’ve got your info, put your concern in writing—email or letter works. Be specific about what you’re questioning, and include your comparison data.
- If you still don’t get a satisfactory answer, it’s time to escalate to RERA. They have an official process for handling these disputes, so don’t hesitate to use it if you need to.
And here’s a tip: keep every email, letter, and document along the way. The more organised you are, the more seriously your dispute will be taken—and the faster things tend to move.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mollak system the same as RERA?
No — Mollak is a platform run by RERA (the Real Estate Regulatory Agency), not a separate regulatory body itself. RERA is the overarching authority; Mollak is the specific system it uses to regulate service charges and monitor escrow accounts.
Can I check a building’s service charge history on Mollak?
In theory, you should be able to see service charge budgets on Mollak system, but in reality, the level of detail and public access can be hit or miss. If you want the nitty-gritty for a building you’re interested in, your best bet is to ask the owners’ association or management company directly.
How long does a service charge dispute take to resolve?
There’s no set timeline for resolving a dispute—it really depends on how quickly your building’s management responds, and how fast RERA processes things if you escalate. The more organised and specific your case, the smoother (and quicker) the process usually is.
Does Mollak apply to both off-plan and ready property?
Yes, but Mollak works a bit differently depending on your situation. For off-plan properties, it’s all about keeping your escrow account safe during construction. For ready or completed properties, it’s the system that keeps service charges in check. So, it’s useful at different stages of homeownership.
What happens if my building doesn’t disclose its service charge budget properly?
If your building isn’t sharing its service charge budget like it’s supposed to, that’s a valid reason to raise the issue with RERA. Make sure to note the lack of disclosure in your request—it’ll help if you need to escalate things.
Your next steps
That’s a wrap on the whole escrow, Oqood, and Mollak protection system. If you want to dig deeper, check out the guides below.
- Comparing and judging charges: Service Charges in Dubai — Reasonable vs Red Flag
- For off-plan buyers: RERA Escrow Accounts and Oqood Registration Explained.
Stuck with a service charge dispute and not sure what to do next? Drop me a message on WhatsApp—I’m always happy to help you figure it out.
Last reviewed: by RaynaSean, Dubai-resident writer covering the property market since 2020.
Disclaimer: This guide is informational, not legal advice. Dispute procedures change; confirm current processes directly with RERA.
