Dubai: Property developer Nakheel has issued a statement denying it is locking out paid up residents of Palm Jumeirah Shoreline Apartments to its beach clubs, while admitting its 'name and shame' strategy has enabled it to claw back AED 15 million in unpaid maintenance charges.
In the statement released on Tuesday the company reiterated its position regarding common facilities access for residents at the Shoreline Apartments on Palm Jumeirah, and said it is waiting for the Real Estate Regulatory Agency's (RERA) final decision on whether they can make owners and residents pay for access.
Last month Nakheel distributed leaflets to the Palm Jumeirah residents warning it planned to roll out fees for residents of up to AED 5000, and open up the clubs to outside members at a cost of AED12,000 a year.
Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah, said, “This issue is under review by RERA, and we await their decision on the way forward. Naturally, we will respect whatever decision they make.
“Meanwhile, Nakheel is not preventing anybody who has paid their service fees from using our private beaches, pools and gyms. About 78 per cent of the fees due have been collected, and those who have every right to access our facilities. However, this majority cannot be expected to subsidise those who have not paid.
“One month ago, outstanding service fees amounted to Dh72 million. That figure has now reduced by 20 per cent, to Dh57 million. We continue to push ahead with outstanding payment collection to allow us to ensure ongoing maintenance and improvements at our facilities, and payment to our service providers. RERA supports Nakheel’s position on service fee collection.
“Customers who have honoured their payments tell us they are happy with the continued improvements to our facilities: beaches are cleaner and quieter with more of a family atmosphere since we began our fee collection campaign in November 2011. They have also welcomed our reduction in service charges at the Shoreline Apartments: our fees have dropped by 35 per cent since 2009.”
Long term (annual lease) tenants at the Shoreline Apartments can check with Nakheel as to whether or not landlords have paid their service charges.
“Tenants are understandably disappointed if they rent an apartment only to find they cannot use the facilities because of unpaid fees. Now they can get confirmation from us to ensure that they get what they sign up for when they move into their apartment.”
