A view of apartment buildings in the Phu My Hung Urban Area. The construction ministry recently issued a circular on the management and use of apartment buildings. — VNS Photo Viet Thanh

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The construction ministry recently issued a circular on the management and use of apartment buildings, which is expected to improve the relationship between residents, investors and the building's management boards.

As apartment buildings become popular in crowded cities along with the country's rapid urbanisation and growing population, the lack of clear regulations about the management and use of apartment buildings have resulted in conflicts between the relevant parties, affecting residents' life and undermining trust.

Circular No 02/2016/TT-BXD, which will take effect on April 2, is expected to tackle the problems.

The service operation fee, one of the greatest concerns of apartment residents, is calculated based on the area of the apartment, the circular says. The fees will be based on the negotiations with the building operators.

The decree says the operation and maintenance fees must be used for the right purposes with transparency and in line with established regulations.

The establishment of a building management board is compulsory for apartment buildings that have more than one owner. The building management board is a legal organisation that represents the voices of residents.

Parking space

The circular regulates the leasing or sale of parking space in apartment buildings for the first time.

Accordingly, apartment owners can buy or rent parking lots within the limit set for each apartment.

In case there is not enough parking space, the sale or leasing of parking space must be done following an agreement among buyers, the circular says.

The ownership of parking lots can be transferred, but only to other apartment owners or investors. — VNS