Finding housing in the UAE might be difficult, particularly if you’re there for the first time and don’t have any acquaintances. Expats often share apartments with friends and fellow expats to reduce their rent costs. One of the practical methods to save costs is to do this. It’s a fantastic option to consider if you can find someone who provides a setting where sharing is permitted. You must first understand the legislation, however, before you can proceed. In the UAE, there are laws and guidelines regarding apartment sharing. To know more, contact HHS lawyers in Dubai.
Is it legal to share an apartment in Dubai?
Since Dubai is the most typical place where ex-pats live and work. So, is it legal to share an apartment in Dubai?
Apartment sharing is prohibited in Dubai unless the property owner gives their consent. In Dubai, roommates cannot share an apartment unless the landlord permits it. According to Article 24 of Law No.26 of 2007, the tenant cannot sublet the property without the landlord’s consent unless it is clearly stated in their Dubai tenancy contract.
The property owner must approve any agreement proposed by the tenant. You must first get your landlord’s permission if you want to share an apartment with others.
Law Governing Tenant-Landlord Relationship in Dubai
The provisions of Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants in the emirate of Dubai (the Dubai Rental Law) and Law No. 33 of 2008 amending Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants in the emirate of Dubai (the Amended Dubai Rental Law) are applicable for governing Tenant- Landlord Relationship.
What happens if you share the residence without getting permission?
According to Article 25 of Law No. 33 of 2008, “the landlord may demand the eviction of a tenant prior to the expiration of the tenancy period if the tenant sublets the property, or part of it, without the landlord’s written approval and, in such a case, eviction shall be applicable to the tenant and the sub-tenant”.
The law supports the landlord’s authority to request that tenants and subtenants leave the property even if the lease agreement is still in effect. Your cohabitants and you might be evicted from the property at any moment if you sublet the property without your landlord’s consent.
Rules and regulations for sharing of apartment
Those considering the possibility of lawfully sharing an apartment in Dubai must adhere to the following regulations:
- Without the landlord’s express written consent, the tenant is not allowed to let or sublet any of the properties.
- The subtenant enjoys rights on the leased property for as long as the actual tenancy agreement between the landlord and the tenant is still in effect.
- The sublease contract shall govern the relationship between the tenant and the subtenant. The tenant’s duties to the landlord shall continue to be as previously agreed upon, regardless of the nature of their relationship.
Please be aware that the number of tenants or sub-tenants a property may accommodate mainly depends on the area in which it is situated. Therefore, one region’s data cannot be used to make assumptions about another.
The Cohabitation rule for unmarried couples in Dubai
Are unmarried couples are allowed to share an apartment lawfully in Dubai? It is one of the most frequent asked concerns.
Under the terms of the Dubai Rental Law on shared housing, it was formerly unlawful for unmarried couples and persons of opposing genders (who are not blood relatives) to live together in the same home. Furthermore, renting flats in a building to specific groups of people is at the real estate company’s discretion. In Dubai, the building’s rules and regulations may be set by the real estate corporation. These must, however, fall within the supervision of the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency.
Following the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 on the Issuance of the Crimes and Penalties Law (the “UAE Penal Law”), cohabitation of unmarried couples is no longer illegal in the UAE if there are no objections from their legal guardians. All types of lodging, including hotel rooms, homes, and flats for rent in Dubai, are subject to the new regulation.
What are the penalties for illegally sharing an apartment?
You will be penalized between AED 200 and AED 20,000 if you are found subleasing the unit without your landlord’s consent. It includes allowing subtenants to live in the same unit as you without Dubai Tourism licenses. You might be fined up to AED 100,000 for a further violation.
Registration of Cohabitants in Dubai: New Rule
According to a circular issued by the Dubai Land Department, Owners, renters, developers, and property management firms were instructed for the registration of cohabitants on the Dubai REST app within a two-week window, i.e. on or before 7th October 2022.
The circular states that all owners, developers, property management organizations, and renters must adhere to an 8-step procedure, including inputting personal information and the Emirates ID, to register their co-occupants.
Co-occupants will immediately get updates to the tenancy agreement once registered.
The registration of cohabitants may include, but is not limited to:
- Family members and
- The domestic staff of the renter.
The owner of the tenancy contract must include information on co-occupants in the contract owner’s unit for people living in shared areas.
For more legal advice on Sharing an Apartment in Dubai, you must consult Expert Real estate Lawyers at HHS Lawyers & Legal Consultants. team of expert Real Estate lawyers will help you with better solutions.
