Owners and operators of existing shared accommodation in Dubai will be given one year to regularise their operations under the emirate’s new shared-housing law.
Dubai Municipality is expected to announce detailed licensing requirements during September, including information on the application process, required documents and applicable fees.
The law, issued on February 27, came into effect 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette. It aims to regulate shared accommodation, improve living conditions and address overcrowding and unauthorised alterations to residential properties.
Under the framework, a property cannot be designated for shared housing without a permit. Regulations will cover the maximum number of occupants, the space available to each resident and the common facilities that must be provided.
Properties must also meet planning, building, public-health, fire-safety, environmental, security and electricity-network requirements.
The law recognises six shared-housing categories: families, individual women, individual men, female students, male students, and government employees and private-sector workers.
A digital platform is also planned to process permit applications and maintain records of tenancy agreements, management contracts and occupant information.