SHAH ALAM, July 3 — The Selangor Housing and Property Board (LPHS) is planning to undertake a study with various stakeholders to examine the need for guidelines or best practices on determining maintenance charges for Rumah Selangorku projects.
Its acting executive director Mohd Hafiz Hassan said the study would be carried out through engagement sessions with the Commissioner of Buildings (COB), the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the local authorities, developers, joint management bodies (JMB), management corporations (MC), registered property management agents, and other stakeholders involved in strata management.
“This study aims to identify a more transparent, reasonable, and consistent approach to determining maintenance charges by taking into account the characteristics of each development, the facilities provided, the actual operating costs, and the affordability of Rumah Selangorku purchasers.
“The proposed study is not intended to introduce a ceiling rate for maintenance charges. Instead, it seeks to strengthen strata management governance by developing guidelines and best practices that can serve as references for developers, JMBs, MCs, and the COB.
“This is expected to improve transparency in the determination of maintenance charges, reduce disputes and ensure that the interests of Rumah Selangorku purchasers continue to be protected,” he told Media Selangor.
Hafiz added that LPHS does not currently prescribe maintenance charge rates for Rumah Selangorku projects, as these are determined by developers, JMBs, or MCs based on the stage of development management, in line with the provisions of the Strata Management Act 2013.
The Act also empowers the COB to make determinations and take action in disputes relating to maintenance charges.
“For developments that remain under the management of the developer, Section 12(7)(a) of the Act empowers the COB to determine the amount of maintenance charges or contributions payable, while Section 12(7)(b) allows the COB to direct the developer to review or amend the statement of maintenance charges and related documents.
“For developments managed by MCs, Section 52(6)(a) empowers the COB to determine the amount of maintenance charges or contributions payable.
“Meanwhile, Section 52(6)(b) authorises the COB to direct the MCs to review, amend, or resubmit the statement of maintenance charges and related documents if there is a dispute or non-compliance with the provisions of the Act,” he said.
Previously, an issue involving owners of the Rumah Selangorku Idaman Cahaya 1 project went viral after they alleged they were being charged high maintenance fees despite the development being classified as affordable housing. This also raised concerns among purchasers about the long-term affordability of home ownership.
Hafiz noted that maintenance costs are generally influenced by several key components, including security services, electricity consumption in common property areas, lift maintenance, cleaning services, water pump maintenance, and mechanical and electrical systems.
Other contributing factors include landscape maintenance, refuse collection, management staff costs, property management company fees, and the upkeep of facilities such as multipurpose halls, gyms, swimming pools, and playgrounds.
“Based on LPHS's review of the Rumah Selangorku Idaman Cahaya 1 project, electricity, security, staffing, and cleaning are the main contributors to the estimated maintenance costs,” he said.
