Revenue from parking fees and store rentals at apartment blocks should be used to offset maintenance costs, according to a proposal by the Ministry of Construction.

"It would be appropriate to use the revenue gained from car parking in public areas to offset management and operation costs," said Nguyen Van Trung, general director of the Trung Thuy Company, which financed the building of the Landcaster apartment complex in HCM City's District 1.

"But it would be wrong for investors in private property, for example shops bought for rental, to lose that revenue," he said.

Nguyen Van Duc, deputy director of Dat Lanh Real Estate Company, said that investors in a construction project should not be denied of the right to lease property.

"In almost every apartment complex, investors build car parking not just for the residents but also visitors," he said.

"Also, shops, supermarkets and trade centres within the complexes are constructed for rent to generate more income for investors. It would be inappropriate for them to lose the profit gained to offset management and operation costs."

Duc said that if the proposal came into effect, investors would simply sell their shops or trade centres rather than lease them out.

Nguyen Thi Mai, from Ha Noi, plans to build an apartment complex to lease out. She said the ministry's proposal would benefit tenants.

"Management and running costs are a source of tension between investors and apartment owners," she said. "A detailed regulation on the issue will help eradicate the problem."

However, she suggested that the ministry consult investors and the public before issuing the decree.

The deputy director of the ministry's Urban Development Department, Do Tu Lan, said the draft circular on service charges at apartment complexes was designed to clearly define the rights and responsibilities of investors.

It would also clarify what fees could be charged for maintenance costs, Lan said.

"We appreciate all opinions on the draft decree, which we hope to put into effect as soon as possible " she said.

Rol.vn - Source: Vietnam News