Court outlines boundaries in property service disputes

China's top court on Monday highlighted five landmark cases related to property management, underscoring the judiciary's push to improve service quality and address persistent and emerging issues in the sector.

"Property management plays a crucial role in fulfilling people's aspirations for a better life. As urban development in China shifts from rapid expansion to improving existing properties, community living has become a key aspect of modern urban life," the Supreme People's Court said.

As a result, it said, demand is rising for higher standards in living environments, housing quality and property services.

In response to the frequent, widespread and recurrent disputes between homeowners and property service providers, the SPC urged courts nationwide to address public concerns and use judicial tools to help resolve conflicts.

One of the cases involved a man surnamed Zhang, who discovered he had been denied access to his building's elevator and entry system because he had not paid property fees. Although he later reached an agreement with the management company, he filed suit.

Citing the Civil Code, a grassroots court ruled that property service providers are not allowed to cut the supply of electricity, water, heating or gas to force homeowners to pay property fees.

It said homeowners are obligated to pay fees as agreed, but delays or refusals are common, prompting some companies to use improper methods to pressure residents.

"When property service providers restrict access to entry cards or limit elevator use to collect fees, they are improperly infringing on homeowners' property rights," the court said. "This approach lacks legal basis and exceeds reasonable limits, often escalating conflicts."

The court stressed that service providers should use reasonable means to urge payment and safeguard their rights through mediation, litigation or arbitration, rather than disrupting residents' daily lives.