Overdue maintenance fees: Subang Jaya assemblyman’s service centre offers RM20,000 to help JMBs, MCs

• Subang Jaya assemblyman Michelle Ng: “Residents must realise their obligation to pay maintenance fees. Neglecting this duty leads to poorly maintained flats and delays repairs of common property, which ultimately reduce the property value.”

PETALING JAYA (July 19): The Subang Jaya assemblyman’s service centre has allocated RM20,000 for a new legal aid fund aimed at supporting Joint Management Bodies (JMBs) and Management Corporation (MCs).

Subang Jaya assemblyman Michelle Ng told The Star that the fund can be used in the management of low- and medium-low-cost flats “specifically addressing overdue maintenance fees”.

Ng, however, also explained that “it was important to ensure that the first step towards collecting maintenance fee arrears did not involve legal enforcement”.

JMBs and MCs should offer repayment schemes first to property owners facing financial difficulties, she said.

“Fifty to 70% of the residents in these flats are renters. While the majority of them pay their rent on time, it becomes problematic when property owners fail to uphold their obligation to pay maintenance fees.

“Residents must realise their obligation to pay maintenance fees,” said Ng.

“Neglecting this duty leads to poorly maintained flats and delays repairs of common property, which ultimately reduce the property value.

“Property owners have the right to elect suitable representatives to lead the JMB or MC, at the annual general meeting, if they are dissatisfied with the services,” added Ng.

Lack of maintenance fees will lead to deteriorating service

“It is a vicious cycle. If maintenance fees are not paid, service deteriorates further. This is crucial because unpaid fees often lead to deteriorating conditions in these apartments” she said.

The fund covers 50% of legal fees up to a maximum of RM3,000 for a year, stated The Star’s report.

JMBs and MCs can select their legal representation and must fill an application form to access the fund.

Legal aid has been requested by 24 flats in SS12 to SS19, USJ1 to USJ22, PJS7, PJS9 and PJS11.

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