LookAtVietnam – A draft regulation on residents service fees in HCM City apartment buildings has met with resistance from investors, . . .

Owners of apartment buildings in HCM City have raised their voices against a draft regulation to increase residential services charges. A national law is needed to govern the level of fees.

The department said the rates were based on a four-member family with an average minimum income of VND48 million (US$2,445) per year.

The monthly service charges would represent only 1 per cent of the family’s monthly income, the department said.

Before submitting the draft to the People’s Committee last Thursday, the department surveyed apartment building residents and management boards about the charges.

Investors in apartment buildings said the draft regulation should more clearly specify the kinds of services provided.

They said a national law that outlined in detail the legal rights of the apartment building investors and the apartment owners should be enacted.

Many apartment owners have complained that service quality remained the same even though higher fees were charged.

Phi Loan, an apartment owner in a building located in District 4, said monthly charges for motorbike parking had increased by VND20,000.

“The costs rise gradually, but the service quality is still low with bathroom accessories that still need to be replaced,” Loan said.

Another owner, who also complained about poor services, said he had no choice but to pay because there was only one service provider for his apartment building.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News