Difference Between Block Dues and Site Dues in Complexes

Residents living in complexes consisting of more than one block sometimes ask "why do I pay two separate dues?" The answer lies in the split of expenses into block and site-wide in complex properties. In this guide we explain the difference between block dues and site dues in complexes, which expenses belong where and the dues structure in complex properties from a practical perspective.

What is a complex property?

A complex property refers to residential complexes where more than one structure (block) exists and which are interconnected through common infrastructure and social facilities. The provisions of the Condominium Ownership Law on complex properties govern the management of such complexes. In complex properties there are both expenses belonging to each block and common expenses concerning the whole complex. This two-layer structure gives rise to two types of dues.

What are block dues?

Block dues are the dues that cover a block's internal common expenses. They concern only those living in that block and are shared among the residents of that block. Expenses covered by block dues include:

• The elevator maintenance and electricity of that block
• Cleaning of the block entrance, stairs and corridors
• Lighting of common areas belonging to the block
• The block's own booster pump/water system

In short, block dues can be thought of as "the expenses of my own building".

What are site dues?

Site dues, on the other hand, are the dues that cover common expenses concerning the whole site. Residents in all blocks in the complex contribute to this expense. Expenses covered by site dues include:

• Site security and security cameras
• Common green areas, garden and landscape maintenance
• Social facilities (pool, gym, playground)
• The site's main entrance, common roads and parking lot
• Site-wide management expenses

In short, site dues can be thought of as "the common expenses of the whole complex".

Why are they separate?

This split provides fairness. Loading one block's elevator expense onto the residents of another block that has no elevator would be unfair. Similarly, loading the expense of the pool or security used by the whole site onto a single block is not fair either. The block-site split ensures that each resident contributes to the expense of the service they actually benefit from. This is the complex-property application of fair expense sharing.

Complex-property management structure

Complex properties usually have a two-tier management: each block's own management (or block representative) and the main management governing the whole complex (complex representatives council). Block dues can be collected and managed by the block management, and site dues by the main management. This structure provides orderly expense management both at block level and complex-wide. Having a separate budget and account for each layer increases transparency.

Summary

In complex properties (sites), dues are two-tiered. Block dues share a block's internal expenses (that block's elevator, cleaning) among the residents of that block. Site dues share expenses concerning the whole complex (security, pool, landscape) among all residents. This distinction brings fairness by ensuring that everyone contributes to the expense of the service they benefit from.

Tracking block and site dues separately in a multi-block property is complex. Apt Yönet manages expenses on a block and site basis separately, providing complex properties with transparent two-layer dues and treasury management.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I pay two dues in a complex?

One is for your own block's expenses (block dues), and the other is for the whole complex's common expenses (site dues).

What do block dues cover?

They cover expenses concerning only that block, such as its elevator, cleaning, entrance and its own common areas.

What do site dues cover?

They cover common expenses concerning the whole complex, such as security, pool, green areas and common roads.

Why are they collected separately?

To ensure fair sharing by having each resident contribute to the expense of the service they actually benefit from.

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This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. You are advised to consult a legal expert about your specific situation.