By Ken Teo | Edited by Miichael Yeoh

Let’s Start with This: You’re Not Just Buying a Unit — You’re Buying Into a Community

When you own a condo, apartment, or any kind of strata property, you’re not just buying four walls. You’re also sharing ownership of everything outside your unit — the lifts, the corridors, the lobby, the pool, the roof, the water tank, the whole building.

That’s why every owner needs to pay maintenance fees and contribute to the sinking fund. It’s not a donation. It’s not optional. It’s your duty as a co-owner.

Let’s break it down in plain language…

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1. These Are Not “Extra Charges” — They’re Your Legal Responsibility

Under Malaysia’s Strata Management Act 2013 (Act 757):

• Section 25(1) (for Joint Management Body or JMB), and
• Section 50(1) (for Management Corporation or MC),

…it clearly says: every unit owner must pay maintenance charges and sinking fund contributions.

These are not surprise charges or “admin fees.” They’re meant to cover your share of keeping the building clean, safe, and in working condition. It’s the same as chipping in for house bills when you live with housemates — it’s only fair.

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2. “If Others Don’t Pay, Why Should I?”

This is a common complaint — and hey, we get it. Why should you be the good guy when others are skipping out?

But think about this:

• If no one pays, who’s going to fix the lift?
• Who’s going to pay the cleaners or security guards?
• How will the broken tiles or leaking roof ever get fixed?

When people stop paying, the whole building suffers. And soon, even those who were paying start asking: “Why should I continue?” — and that’s when things spiral downhill.

You don’t just live in your unit. You share ownership of the entire building. So if everyone pays their part, everyone enjoys a better home.

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3. What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

The law doesn’t just suggest — it enforces. If you don’t pay, the JMB or MC has the right to take action under Section 60(3) of the Strata Management Act.

Here’s what they can legally do:

• Send you demand letters
• File a claim with the Strata Tribunal or even in court
• Charge up to 10% interest per year on overdue amounts
• Block your access to facilities (like pool, gym, function room), with proper notice

So it’s not just about being fair to others — not paying could cost you more later, both in fees and reputation. And your outstanding dues? They’ll follow your unit, even if you try to sell.

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4. Think of It as an Investment — Not a Burden

No one enjoys paying bills, we know that. But your maintenance charges are not “just another bill.” They’re an investment in your own home.

The money goes into:

• Repairs and upkeep
• Security and cleanliness
• Ensuring your home is safe and comfortable
• Keeping your property value high

Ever seen a badly maintained condo? Low resale value, fewer buyers, and complaints all around. Compare that to a well-managed building — units there sell faster and at better prices.

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5. You Have the Right to Know Where the Money Goes

Worried that your money is being misused? The good news is: you have rights.

By law, the JMB or MC must:

• Hold Annual General Meetings (AGM)
• Present audited accounts and budgets
• Use the sinking fund for long-term repairs like repainting, roofing, waterproofing, and lift upgrades

As an owner, you can (and should):

• Ask for financial reports
• Question how funds are being spent
• Vote during AGMs

This is your money. And you deserve to know how it’s used.

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In Summary: Don’t Just Own a Unit — Own the Responsibility

Paying your maintenance fees and sinking fund isn’t just about following the law. It’s about doing your part.

You’re not a tenant anymore. You’re an owner. You have a stake in the building — and your actions affect everyone else too.

So instead of thinking “Why me?” — let’s think “Why not us?”

Let’s build communities, not just condominiums.
Let’s protect our investments, not neglect them.
Let’s be the kind of owners who care.

Because a well-maintained building isn’t just a nicer place to live — it’s something you can be proud to call home.