Mullak Program:
It is a program launched by the Saudi Ministry of Housing with the aim of regulating the relationship between owners of jointly owned real estate residential units (apartments, chalets, and villas in closed residential complexes, and commercial units). The relationship is regulated through effective communication between them, and the application of the rules and regulations that are in place. Define it in advance.
The idea of the Malak Program is based on the establishment of an association that includes all owners of residential units with common areas, with the aim of creating a healthy and organized residential environment that creates, in the long term, coexistence and shared comfort. The Ministry of Housing will also establish systems, regulations and control mechanisms, in addition to organizing facilities and complex management services and playing the role Educational and awareness-raising. It is worth noting that the Malak Program’s supervisory duties were transferred to the General Real Estate Authority in the Kingdom.
Is registration in the owners association mandatory or optional?
The Ministry of Housing has determined a number of residential units that must undergo mandatory registration in the owners’ union system, and the numbers for mandatory registration for existing property owners are as follows:
- Shared ownership of 10 units or more.
- Or the number of owners must be 5 or more.
- For less than that, registration is optional.
How is the registration process done?
- Access the electronic portal through the Mullak Portal website.
- Fill out the property data form.
- Fill out the member information form.
- Submitting the Federation’s internal regulations on the website.
- After verification by the Ministry of the regulations, owners are required to approve the internal regulations by replying with acceptance via a text message sent by the Ministry.
- The first general assembly is then held to select the Board of Directors of the Owners Association.
How much are the owners association fees set?
There are no fees imposed on subscription or registration in Mullak, as it is a free subscription, but as we mentioned previously, registration in it is mandatory according to the number of residential units. It is a program that was issued pursuant to a royal decree, so it must be adhered to.
How is the process of implementing and adhering to laws carried out?
To ensure that the laws and procedures in the Malak Union Housing Program are implemented by all residents, the Ministry of Housing has imposed a set of procedures that will regulate the workflow and limit any problems that may arise through the following steps:
- First, the owners association list is added to the contract and documented with the title deed.
- Fees are collected on a regular basis from those registered through a mechanism specified by the Ministry of Housing, so that the amount is collected in the owners’ union account and the system is linked to the relevant authorities to ensure that all residents have paid.
- The existence of clear mechanisms to deal with violators of the residential complex system stipulated in the regulations.
- Providing an electronic platform that brings together companies’ services and products, which is concerned with the management of facilities and complexes, so that you can view the companies and contract directly with the company that is most suitable for you.
The Ministry has established mechanisms and systems to resolve disputes in the event of problems.
-The Ministry seeks to spread awareness about the importance of regulating the relationship between owners of shared housing units, and this is done through establishing the Real Estate Institute, which provides accredited qualification programs in owners’ union management, and other programs specialized in facilities management.
Elements of the success of the owners’ association in shared housing units
To achieve the goal of the Joint Housing Unit Owners Association, and to provide comfort and security and create a coexistent and sustainable environment in the residential units, members must pay attention to the following elements to ensure the association’s success in achieving its goals:
- The necessity of full awareness of the importance of the common parts of residential units, in addition to awareness of the rights of owners, according to what is stipulated in the system of ownership, sorting and management of real estate units.
- The importance of attending association meetings on an ongoing basis to ensure that your right to vote on association decisions is preserved.
- Methods of communication between owners and members of the Board of Directors, through the electronic portal of the Mullak program, or through the application on smart phones.
- Creating a clear and common strategy for the image of the real estate complex by the owners association and the participation of all owners in this.
- Commitment to pay the fees determined by the association, in addition to determining how to disburse the amounts based on the plans drawn up in advance.
Responsibilities and duties of the Board of Directors of the Mullak and Residents Association
To achieve best practices and achieve optimal results, the following is a package of matters that must be taken into consideration for both board members and residents:
Board of Directors
Appointing a certified real estate manager through the Saudi Real Estate Institute. The real estate manager will perform his duties to the fullest extent, and to obtain the best results, he must:
-The manager is keen to develop his skills by enrolling in specialized courses in managing real estate complexes, and is concerned with the following:
- Drawing up a clear plan and methodology to develop and improve the coexistence environment within the property.
- Full knowledge of the disputes that occur in the residential complex and knowledge of how to resolve and manage them.
- Organizing multiple events for the residents of the complex and activating the social aspect of that.
- Know the needs of the owners and interact and communicate with them on an ongoing basis, and be careful to use the community page on the owners association website, for the purpose of announcing social events in the complex or to announce the association’s news.
- Setting a regular meeting, preferably on a monthly basis, that includes the president of the owners association, the property manager, and all council members, to distribute tasks among the members and discuss developments, if any.
- Determine communication channels with members of the association.
- Listening to the owners’ opinions and learning about their satisfaction with the level of services.
- Maintaining the level of service and striving to develop it, while taking care to reduce expenses.
- The Chairman of the Board of Directors and members of the Board of Directors should be keen on continuous development by taking specialized courses in owners association management.
- Paying attention to supporting logistical services by giving the authority to transfer meters in the name of associations, and giving the authority to contract with service and investment providers.
The role of residential unit owners
- Commitment to implementing the decisions of the Board of Directors and the executive regulations.
- Commitment to pay fees on time.
- Effective cooperation with the association’s management, and ensuring that they are provided with all the required information.
- Participation in social activities and events carried out by the association.