Jointly owned properties in Dubai must have their financial statements and service charge budgets audited by firms accredited by the Dubai Land Department. The rule comes from Law No. 6 of 2019 and DLD controls introduced in 2021. Owners can use the audit to check how service charges are spent.
What does DLD require?
Audits of jointly owned property financial statements and annual service charge budgets by DLD-accredited audit firms, under Law No. 6 of 2019 on jointly owned real property (Dubai Land Department).
What does the audit check?
Service charge income against the approved budget, spending against contracts and invoices, reserve fund movements, and whether costs were allocated fairly between owners.
What do owners gain?
Independent evidence of how their money was used, and a basis for challenging the budget at the general assembly.
What do property managers need to prepare?
Bank statements, the approved budget, contracts with service providers, invoices, the reserve fund ledger and owners' payment records. A clean, monthly-reconciled ledger cuts audit time sharply.
Questions owners should ask about the accounts
- Did actual spending match the approved budget, line by line?
- How much is in the reserve fund, and what was it used for?
- Were major contracts tendered?
- How much in service charges is unpaid, and what is being done to collect it?
- Did the auditor qualify the opinion or raise management points?
Why audits matter for buyers too
Before buying in a building, read the last two audited statements. A depleted reserve fund or a qualified opinion can mean higher service charges ahead. DLD's audit standards exist precisely to give owners this visibility (Dubai Land Department).
Frequently asked questions
Can any auditor audit a JOP?
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No. DLD accreditation is required.
Who appoints the auditor?
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Usually the owners association or management company, under DLD rules.
How often?
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Annually, with the budget cycle.
Can owners see the audited accounts?
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Owners are generally entitled to the financial information of the owners association; ask the management company.
Sources
- DLD enhances auditing standards and controls on annual budgets for jointly owned properties (Law No. 6 of 2019) — Dubai Land Department, 28 March 2021. Checked 17 October 2026.