Procedure & Regularity for Accuracy, True Dispute Resolution and Happiness

The Legal Basis of Owners’ Obligation to Pay Common Expenses in Residential Complexes

Document Type : Original Article

Author

PhD Candidate in Private Law University of Tehran

Abstract
The administration of residential and accommodation complexes requires the funding of expenses for the maintenance of facilities, security, roads, common areas, and other shared services. Determining the legal basis for requiring owners to pay such expenses may give rise to disputes, particularly where the applicability of the Apartment Ownership Act is uncertain. This note critically examines a judgment of Branch Three of the Supreme Court of Iran concerning a claim for service charges and common expenses in Khazar Villa Tourist Complex. In the case, the management’s standing to bring the action and the legal basis of the claimed amounts were not clearly established, while the expert calculations were also ambiguous. The Supreme Court found the proceedings and investigations incomplete, noted defects concerning the scope of the claim, quashed the judgment, and remanded the case for further proceedings. The judgment is significant for emphasizing the need to establish the legal basis of the owner’s obligation, the management’s standing and authority, and the actual amount of the debt before judgment.

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Volume 2, Special Number
Commemorative Volume Honoring The Judge Hassan Ghaffarpour (Maraghi) President of 3rd Branch of the Supreme Court, Iran
2026

  • Receive Date 04 October 2026
  • Accept Date 05 October 2026
  • Publish Date 23 October 2026