How Is the Maintenance Fee Calculated in Malaysia? The Formula and a Worked Example

A new project’s maintenance fee is not a figure the developer picks. The Fifth Schedule of the Schedule H sale and purchase agreement is a "statement of charges" form that fixes the method: estimate what the whole building costs to run for a year, then share it out by each unit’s share units. The sinking fund is charged on top, at 10% of the maintenance fee.

What is the formula?

Note (iii) to the Fifth Schedule sets out the charge per share unit:

Section 12(3) of the Strata Management Act 2013 likewise apportions charges by allocated share units, and section 12(4) sets the sinking fund at 10% of the charges.

A worked example

Illustrative figures only.

What goes into "estimated annual expenditure"?

The Fifth Schedule lists 26 items a developer may include:

• General repairs and maintenance, electricity, electrical systems, fire-fighting systems, generator, lifts and escalators, air-conditioning, security systems
• Master TV antenna, intercom, building automation, water, swimming pool, sewerage, refuse collection, car park, pest control
• Security services, cleaning, landscaping, signage, bank charges, audit fees, management fees, management office and staff costs

Items that do not apply can be struck out, but the developer cannot add to or change the list without the Controller of Housing’s prior written approval (note (ii)).

How are share units decided?

Share units are allocated to each unit by the developer’s licensed land surveyor (Strata Management Act 2013, s.2). The federal lands department (JKPTG) explains that they determine two things: your vote at general meetings and your share of the maintenance charges. Once strata titles are issued, the share units are recorded in the strata register.

When do you start paying?

• From the day you take vacant possession. The developer must give you the completed statement of charges at handover (note (iv)).
• The National Housing Department’s buyer guidance notes that strata buyers typically pay one month’s deposit and three months in advance at handover.
• The sinking fund also starts from vacant possession.

Can it change later?

Yes. Once a Joint Management Body (JMB) is formed, it re-sets the charges on the same share-unit basis, and owners at a general meeting can raise the sinking fund, though not below 10% of the charges (s.25(3) and 25(4)). For who collects the fee and what happens if it is paid late, see our guide to maintenance fees and the sinking fund.

Related

• Maintenance fee and sinking fund in Malaysia
• Strata title vs individual title
• Late payment interest on property in Malaysia

Sources

1. Housing Development (Control and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2015, P.U.(A) 106/2015 (National Housing Department): Fifth Schedule of Schedule H, statement of charges (Borang Penyata Caj), notes (ii)–(iv). Document
2. Strata Management Act 2013 (Act 757), ss.2, 12 and 25 (copy hosted by Perbadanan Putrajaya). Document
3. JKPTG, "Hakmilik Strata" FAQ, Q5: what share units determine. Page
4. National Housing Department, "Tips Kepada Pembeli Rumah": one month’s deposit and three months’ advance at handover; sinking fund from vacant possession. Page

Actual charges are those in the developer’s statement at handover, or as billed by the JMB or MC. Last verified: 11 October 2026.