From 2025, several operational policies have officially come into effect, directly impacting the rights and obligations of residents, developers and property management agents. These changes focus on enhancing transparency, optimising building management, and improving residents’ quality of life. The article below will explore their impact on stakeholders, and building operations. 

1. Housing Law 2023

Regulations on organising the 1st Apartment Building Conference

Organising the 1st apartment building conference is an important step in property management, enabling residents to participate in decisions directly related to their rights and responsibilities. 

According to Article 15, Circular 05/2024/TT-BXD, this meeting must be held within the first 12 months from the date the apartment is handed over for use. To ensure representation, a minimum of 50% of the units in the building must have been handed over to buyers or tenants, and at least 50% of representatives of owners must attend. 

In cases where there is insufficient attendance, the developer or representative of owners must submit a written request to the People’s Committee at commune level to organise the meeting. 

Regulations on managing and using building maintenance funds 

Articles 153 and 154 of the Housing Law 2023 clearly stated the management and handover of building maintenance funds. Accordingly, developers must open a separate account for maintenance funds and cannot use them for any other purpose before handing over to the Building Owners’ Committee. 

If the developer delays or fails to complete the handover, the Management Team has the right to submit a request to the People’s Committee at district level where the condominium is located to request intervention. Within 10 days of receiving a directive from the People’s Committee, if the developer still does not hand over the funds, the authorities will proceed with enforcement and recover the funds to transfer to the Management Team. 

With these stringent regulations, the Housing Law 2023 will ensure transparency in the management of maintenance funds, protect residents’ interests, and improve the efficiency of apartment operations. 

Read more: 

• How to Distinguish Owners' Committees from Management Boards.
• Building Owner’s Committee: Key Considerations in Applying the Housing Law 2023.

2. Environmental Protection Law 2020 

Regulations on classification of household solid waste 

From 1st January 2025, waste sorting at source becomes mandatory according to guidelines from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, implementing the Environmental Protection Law 2020. This regulation helps reduce pollution, promote recycling, and protect the environment sustainably. 

According to the regulations, individuals and households must classify household waste into three groups, including: 

• Solid waste that can be reused and recycled (such as paper, plastic, metal, glass after being washed clean and dried). 
• Food waste (leftover food, spoiled vegetables and fruits, fallen leaves or rotted flowers). 
• Other household solid waste (non-recyclable and reusable waste, waste that is difficult to biodegrade). 

Failure to comply will result in fines ranging from 500,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND, according to Decree 45/2022. 

Savills Management Team accompanies developers in implementing waste sorting regulations at source according to the Environmental Protection Law 2020. We conduct site surveys, assess current conditions, propose optimal implementation plans with costs, whilst organising awareness campaigns for residents. 

Additionally, Savills monitors implementation progress, supports developers in controlling, warning, and proposing measures to handle violations, ensuring compliance with regulations and aiming for effective, sustainable waste management. 

Regulations on wastewater and air emissions treatment and monitoring

On 6th January 2025, the Government issued Decree No. 05/2025/ND-CP, amending and supplementing several articles of Decree 08/2022/ND-CP, detailing the implementation of the Environmental Protection Law. One of the notable points of this decree is the mandatory installation of wastewater flow meters and independent electricity meters for wastewater treatment systems with a capacity of 50 m³/day or more.

Specific requirements include:

• Installing flow measurement equipment at the discharge point into the environment.
• Monitoring electricity consumption specifically for the wastewater treatment system.
• Maintaining a system operation logbook, recording details of time, technical parameters, and incidents.

Read more:

• What Developers Need to Consider in Managing Green Buildings? - Part 1
• What Developers Need to Consider in Managing Green Buildings? - Part 2

3. QCVN 01-1:2024/BYT standard on domestic clean water quality 

On 31st December 2024, the Minister of Health issued Circular 52/2024/TT-BYT on National Technical Standards and regulations for testing and monitoring the quality of clean water used for domestic purposes. The national technical standard QCVN 01-1:2024/BYT specifies parameter limits for clean water quality used for domestic purposes.

Circular 52/2024/TT-BYT not only affects water supply units but also directly impacts Property Management companies in ensuring standard clean water reaches each household.

Property Management companies need to proactively inspect and maintain water systems, report on quality, and cooperate in incident resolution to comply with regulations and ensure residents' well-being.

CONCLUSION

Understanding and complying with new regulations and policies not only ensures legal compliance but also contributes to improving service quality and increasing resident satisfaction. In an increasingly stringent legal environment, stakeholders need to proactively update information and apply appropriate measures to build an effective and sustainable property management system. 

Contact Savills Property Management Department for advice on the most optimal operational solutions.