A General Assembly for each community division shall be called by Emaar. Homeowners will elect at these General Assemblies their respective Owners Association boards which will require a minimum of 5 but not exceeding 7 board members, who must be homeowners themselves. The elected Committee will serve a 1-year term, after which another election will be held. The Board is responsible for fulfilling the functions, powers and obligations of the Owners Association which include among others:

• Supervision, management and development of the common areas for the collective benefit of owners
• Promotion of harmony and a sense of community among owners and unit occupiers
• Holding of an Annual Owners General Assembly
• Entering into Supply Agreements with third party contractors* including the Association Manager
• Setting up the General Fund and the Reserve Fund for the Owners Association
• Board members serve the board on a voluntary basis and shall serve without pay or remuneration.

JOP Law requires every freehold developer in Dubai to establish Owners Associations, corporate entities that will be governed by a ‘Board’. The board will be elected by homeowners at a General Assembly initially called by the developer.

The Owners Association is regulated by a Constitution approved by the Land Department, and a ‘Jointly Owned Property Declaration' (JOPD) prepared and filed by the developer.

Each development will be segmented into community divisions which will each have an Owners Association representing them. The Owners Association will have the power to appoint and oversee a third party facilities services provider that will take care of the common areas in their respective community.

The Owners Association must also appoint an Association Manager who will assist the Board in the administrative, financial, technical and service functions of the Owners Associations.

The Association Manager must be licensed by the Economic Department and registered with R ERA. The Association Manager will play an advisory role for the Owners Association and an appointment contract can be for a period of up to 3 years and can include an option to renew.

The Association Manager’s specific duties will include:

• Preparation of the annual budget in coordination with the Board
• Issuance of service fees invoices and collection of payments on behalf of the Owners Association
• Management of communications, inputs and complaints from home owners
• Liaising with RERA and local authorities
• Management of all insurance and license requirements on behalf of the Owners Association
• Negotiation with and recommendation for suppliers and contractors
• Management and supervision of contractors and service providers’ performance
• Documents and records keeping
• Handling legal matters on behalf of the Owners Association