Finding your accommodation in the UAE might be challenging, especially if it’s your first time in the country and you don’t have friends yet. To be able to save money when paying rent, expats usually share their apartment with their friends and other co-expats. This is one of the practical ways to avoid spending too much.
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If you can look for someone who offers a place where sharing is possible, it’s a good alternative to consider. But before you do that, you need to be aware of the law first. Yes, apartment sharing in the UAE has rules and regulations. Read on to learn more.
Is it legal to share an apartment in the UAE?
In this instance, let’s focus on apartment sharing in Dubai since this is the most common city where expats reside and work.
So, is it legal to share an apartment in the UAE? If you are planning to reside in Dubai, it is illegal to do apartment sharing unless the owner of the property agrees with it. Based on Article 24 of Law No. 26 of 2007, the tenant has no privilege to sublease an apartment without the consent of the landlord, unless it is stipulated in the tenancy contract.
The property owner needs to approve any arrangement planned by the tenant. If you are going to live with your friends and share the same space, you need to seek approval from your landlord first.
What happens if you don’t ask permission to share the apartment?
Per Article 25 of Law No. 33 of 2008, “the landlord may demand the eviction of a tenant prior to the expiry of the tenancy period if the tenant subleases the property, or part thereof, without the landlord’s written approval and, in such a case, eviction shall be applicable to the tenant and the sub-tenant.”
It is clear that the law favors the right of the landlord to ask the tenants and sub-tenants to vacate the premises even without finishing the tenancy contract. If you don’t ask permission from your landlord and you sublease the property, you and your co-expats may get evicted from the property at any time.
Apartment sharing rules and regulations
To give you a better understanding of the rules and regulations in relation to apartment sharing, here we summarize what you need to consider:
- As a tenant, you can’t lease or sublease a property that is not yours. You need approval from your landlord if you plan to do so.
- The sub-tenants enjoy the same privilege as you, including the use of different amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, parking areas, and sports centers.
- Per Article 24 of Law No. 27 of 2007, “Subject to the association constitution, unit owners and occupiers and their guest must use the common areas … in a way that does not compromise the rights of others to use those areas or disturb others or put their safety or the safety of the jointly owned property at risk.” This is according to Dubai Rental Law wherein tenants and sub-tenants can enjoy the amenities of the property they shouldn’t disturb their neighbors while residing to avoid legal issues.
- Apart from your tenancy contract, you should also have a sub-lease contract containing your relationship with the sub-tenants. All the terms and conditions should be stated there. Even with a sub-lease contract, your obligation as a tenant to a landlord is still in effect.
- The number of tenants and sub-tenants who can live in a property will depend on the size of the space and the agreement with the landlord.
- There is no law prohibiting single women or bachelors to share an apartment. But remember that the UAE abides by Muslim traditions and culture so practice sensitivity to its policies. Bachelors are advised to stay with other bachelors/men, and the same for single women to stay with other women. But if the authorities catch a single woman and a bachelor living together, they may face serious consequences.
- Bachelors sharing apartment in Dubai should not be caught engaging in suspicious activities, drug use, alcohol consumption, and other activities. They may get evicted by the landlord.
- Landlords have the right to accept and reject tenants who are single women and bachelors. In Dubai, it’s very challenging to look for a property owner who is willing to accept them because of strict requirements, especially if it’s a residential property.
- You can talk to your landlord or Dubai Municipality if you are troubled in your property.
What are the fines for illegal apartment sharing?
If you are caught sub-leasing the apartment without the approval of your landlord, you will be fined from AED 200 to AED 20,000. This includes letting sub-tenants without Dubai Tourism permits reside in the same apartment as you. For the second offense, you will be paying up to AED 100,000 as a penalty.
Reminder before you enter into a tenancy contract
Before you move to new accommodation in the UAE, you and your landlord will have to register your tenancy contract with Ejari. This is a leasing regulatory system in Dubai that administers both non-freehold and freehold properties. Before you sign a contract, make sure that your agreement is registered with the system as this gives you enough transparency when it comes to the terms and conditions included in the agreement.
But, if it’s all about a sub-tenancy contract, the rule is a bit different. The tenant and sub-tenants have their own agreements that can’t be covered by Ejari. If the sub-lease is done without the consent of the landlord, the system will not support sub-tenants.
Final Thoughts
Apartment sharing is common in any part of the UAE. For most expats, it is practical and safe, especially if you are going to live with your expat friends or relatives in the country. While it’s easier to reside in the country with the people you trust, the law is still essential in this matter.
You should still prioritize what’s legal. If you are planning to live with your friends, don’t hesitate to talk to your landlord about it. Most landlords in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates can understand this kind of situation.
