Ho Chi Minh City removes bottlenecks in apartment management

VTV.vn - On the morning of October 31, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Business - Government Dialogue Conference attracted more than 500 delegates, focusing on resolving shortcomings in apartment building management.

Ho Chi Minh City has about 1,771 apartment buildings with hundreds of thousands of households living there.

The Ho Chi Minh City Business - Government Dialogue Conference attracted more than 500 delegates, received 42 recommendations, focused on solving problems in apartment building management, towards a sustainable living environment.

Many shortcomings

In the context of urbanization, Ho Chi Minh City is witnessing a boom in apartment projects, with 1,771 projects handed over, welcoming hundreds of thousands of households. However, the reality shows that conflicts between residents, management boards (MBs) and investors are becoming more and more common. Mr. Tran Si Nam, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, frankly pointed out the three biggest problems: conflicts of interest between parties, from disputes over maintenance funds to delays in issuing pink books.

The Ho Chi Minh City Business - Government Dialogue Conference attracted more than 500 delegates, focusing on resolving shortcomings in apartment building management.

Agreeing with this comment, Mr. Le Hoang Chau, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association (HOREA), said that there are currently nearly 60,000 apartments that have not been granted pink books, mainly because investors are entangled in financial obligations or mortgaged red books at banks, causing serious violations of the legal rights of residents. This not only reduces the value of assets but also hinders the flow of investment capital into real estate, directly affecting the local economy .

Lack of transparency in revenue and expenditure and fund management is the "Achilles heel" in the management and operation of public housing in Ho Chi Minh City. The apartment maintenance fund is currently at 2%, equivalent to VND20 billion for a 25-30 storey building, or even VND500 billion for a large complex; it has often been misused in the past, leading to loss and loss of trust. Mr. Nguyen Tien Huong, Head of the Department of Housing and Real Estate Market Management of the Department of Construction, emphasized that the new regulations have been tightened by requiring investors to open separate accounts at credit institutions, which cannot be touched in any form. When the Management Board is established, all principal and interest must be fully handed over. However, in reality, there are still delays, disputes, causing residents to have to pay advance fees without receiving timely support. As a result, many Boards of Directors are confused about legal status, tax code registration or opening bank accounts, leading to sluggish operations.

In addition, there are also shortcomings in maintenance and structural safety that are not synchronized, from fire prevention and fighting (PCCC) to installing electric vehicle charging stations or handling violations such as throwing objects from high places and keeping pets. Ms. Cao Thi Phi Van, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), shared that although the apartment building brings outstanding utilities, the operation process clearly shows loopholes, requiring timely intervention from the government. These problems not only threaten the lives of residents but also reduce the value of real estate.

Towards sustainable solutions

Faced with these challenges, Ho Chi Minh City is affirming its pioneering role through a direct dialogue mechanism, with more than 42 questions answered on the spot. This is not only a connection channel but also a testament to the government's commitment to accompany, building trust and high consensus in the business community. Representatives of the Department of Construction and other departments have clarified the legal basis, guiding the process from handing over the maintenance fund to interior renovation, installing canopies or electric vehicle charging stations, helping to remove obstacles for residents.

Business representatives speak at the conference.

In the future, according to Mr. Tran Si Nam, the city will strengthen inspection and supervision of management and operation activities; promote the application of information technology to make revenue and expenditure transparent, collect residents' opinions via digital platforms; perfect the legal corridor, technical standards and business processes. In particular, promote close coordination between the government, businesses, management boards and residents - a "multi-party win-win" model that will build a safe, civilized and modern living environment.

Mr. Nguyen Duy Thanh, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Global Home Management Joint Stock Company, added that it is necessary to disseminate the law along with clear tax obligation guidance for the Board of Directors, issue specific regulations on collection and payment on behalf of others, and organize inter-sectoral training to unify awareness. These proposals not only solve immediate problems but also prevent long-term risks, ensure the maintenance fund is used for the right purpose, and contribute to stabilizing the real estate market.

According to Mr. Le Hoang Chau, residents need to actively participate in apartment building conferences to elect competent and reputable management boards; this is the key to transparent management. At the same time, after the administrative unit arrangement, the city needs to unify the method of facility management, clearly assign tasks to avoid overlap. Management agencies also commit to monitoring the implementation of recommendations, providing policy advice, and moving towards sustainable urban areas in the management and operation of people's residences.

Source: https://vtv.vn/tp-ho-chi-minh-thao-go-nut-that-quan-ly-chung-cu-100251031165731572.htm