Navigating Dubai's Home Sharing Regulations

Home Sharing in Dubai: Legal Tips and Guidelines

Dubai's real estate market is continuously growing, yet housing remains a significant financial challenge for many. Particularly single workers or parents with young children seek affordable solutions, and the option of home sharing often arises as an alternative. However, many are unaware that this is only legal under certain conditions. Below we explain how you can legally share a property in Dubai without breaching regulations.

What Constitutes Illegal Home Sharing?

Dubai Municipality has recently increased inspections of shared homes, especially concerning illegally partitioned spaces—such as rooms divided with drywall. These solutions are deemed inappropriate in terms of fire safety and security, and authorities are taking firm action against them, particularly in densely populated areas. Partitioned living spaces often violate building codes and may endanger the safety of residents.

What Does the Law Say?

Article 24 of the Dubai Tenancy Law clearly states that a tenant may not sublet or allow others to use the property without the owner's written permission. This means that if someone wishes to share their home with another person, they can only do so with the consent of the owner or the company managing the property.

According to Article 25(1) of the same law, the owner is entitled to evict the tenant if:

- the property or any part of it has been sublet without permission;

- the property is used for illegal or immoral purposes.

Eviction applies to both the main tenant and the subtenant, and the subtenant can only claim damages from the tenant, not the owner.

What Steps to Take If Considering Home Sharing?

If someone cannot afford to rent an entire apartment alone and is considering home sharing, the following steps should be followed:

1. Obtain Written Permission

It is essential to have written consent from the owner or managing company for anyone else to stay in the property.

2. Avoid Partitioned Solutions

Never choose a property where the rooms are not originally part of the plan, but have been partitioned with drywall or other materials.

3. Officially Register All Tenants

Residents must be registered in the Dubai Land Department system as part of the Ejari contract. In a shared home scenario, ensure all occupants are registered as annexes to the lease agreement.

4. Adhere to Building Management Rules

Some condominiums have their own rule sets, potentially limiting home sharing. These should also be considered.

Summary

Home sharing in Dubai is not prohibited but is subject to strict regulations. If you want to rent a home with others, always obtain written permission and avoid modified or partitioned apartments. Authorities are increasingly scrutinizing these cases, so adherence to rules is crucial not only legally but also for safety reasons.

(Source of the article: Based on a statement from Dubai Municipality.)