Service fees reduced in The Springs

Dubai_Community service fees for homeowners in The Springs have been reduced for 2010, with the new rates Dh2.03/ft² of plot area, a reduction of almost 6.5 per cent compared to 2009.

A spokesperson for Emaar Properties, the developer of the community, told in a statement, "Following a detailed review of the 2009 costs and projected expenses of 2010, we have been able to reduce the service fees for 2010 for The Springs community. This is due to various cost-cutting measures undertaken including renegotiations and re-tendering service providers' contracts to obtain best value, reallocation of resources on-site, efficiencies obtained by use of technology and energy saving programmes."

According to Emaar's website, service fee budgets are proposed by a committee composed of the company's community management, facilities management, finance, insurance and corporate services teams.

"Community service fee budgets are routinely reviewed and endorsed by owners committees, where established, and accounts finally reviewed by independent auditors," said the spokesperson.

"Despite uncertainties in the market, Emaar Community Management (ECM) has striven to provide its valued owners and residents quality service to ensure the community retains its position as one of the most sought-after freehold communities in Dubai."

The spokesperson said ECM has recently introduced the CSF Information Pack "as part of a new awareness programme within its communities to educate the owners on the various aspects of community living including how the CSF is budgeted and spent." At the time the CSF Information Pack was printed, 17 per cent of property owners at The Springs had not yet paid their 2009 services fees while 4 per cent were yet to pay their 2008 fees.

According to the CSF Information Pack, measures to deter late payment of service fees include "cessation of all non-emergency services" and a late payment fee, which is 2 per cent per month of the outstanding amount.

Until fees are paid, ECM will not issue No Objections Certificates (NOC) to the given homeowner for transfer of property or visa renewal. It may also take legal action and refer the case to a debt collection agency.