Dubai’s new shared accommodation law does not limit shared housing to unrelated workers or individuals living together, according to legal experts.
Under the legislation, shared accommodation can involve individuals or families having their own allocated spaces within a property while sharing facilities such as kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms and outdoor spaces.
However, not every category of resident will automatically qualify for every type of shared accommodation. Dubai Municipality can establish specific standards based on the property type and may add, amend or remove eligible categories through subsequent decisions.
Properties that may be designated as shared housing include apartments, standalone houses, residential complexes, mixed-use buildings, townhouses and multi-storey buildings. All properties must meet applicable permit, occupancy, planning and safety requirements.
Under Article 19, occupants must pay rent monthly and in advance by default, although landlords and occupants can agree to a different payment schedule through the tenancy contract. Tenancy contracts and amendments must be registered in the Shared Accommodation Registry.
Electricity and water charges are also included in the rent by default unless both parties agree otherwise. Even where utility costs are charged separately, the landlord remains responsible for paying the bills to the relevant service provider.
The law also prohibits occupants from allowing another person to reside in or benefit from their allocated space, as well as subletting it.
However, the legislation does not expressly prohibit ordinary social visitors or specify a limit on how long a guest can stay. An occasional visit by a friend or relative would differ from someone regularly staying overnight, keeping belongings at the property and effectively using it as their home.
The law does not provide an automatic exemption for family members or close friends, legal expert Elhais said, adding that further rules on visitors could be introduced through implementing regulations or property-specific requirements.
The legislation, announced in March, aims to regulate shared housing across Dubai, protect the rights of owners and residents, improve living conditions, curb overcrowding and informal housing, address building and land-use violations and promote fair rental practices.
It applies across the emirate, including private development zones and free zones, but excludes collective labour accommodation.
No property can be designated as shared accommodation without a permit. Dubai Municipality has previously said applications had not yet opened as procedures and requirements were still being prepared.