Dubai Authorities clamp down on rental housing irregularities

Dubai has had a long tradition of attracting all kinds of people through its doors. For decades, its growth engine has been powered by hordes of bachelors. It was these blue collar workers that flocked to the desert town and transformed it into the bustling megapolis that Dubai is today. Since then, even white collar workers have joined their blue collar counterparts and made Dubai their new home.

But, as Dubai takes its place at the top of the development charts in the Middle East, the authorities have been cracking down on bachelors that break the accommodation rules. They seem to be frowning upon the whole notion of ‘Sharing is Caring’. Now, the authorities have specified that blue collar workers must seek accommodation in labour camps that seem to have been setup exclusively for them. They cannot seek accommodation in the rest of Dubai.

White collar workers on the other hand are permitted to rent and purchase accommodation in Dubai provided they meet certain requirements. Overcrowding, sub-letting and other such practices are strictly prohibited. Families renting out a villa are prevented from renting it further to other families.

Bachelors on the other hand must avoid overcrowding in their rental accommodation. Only one occupant per bedroom is prohibited when an apartment is rented out to bachelors. Thus, only 2 occupants are permitted in a 2 Bedroom apartment. The same cannot be further let out to other bachelors. The Dubai Municipal authorities have clarified that bachelors are white collared employees. They are single and are living without their families or partners.

All these rules and guidelines however are pre-dominantly applicable to bachelors living in leasehold areas. Those living in freehold areas are currently exempt from these proceedings. Thus, they won’t be fined hefty amounts that go up to DH 50000.

So the next time you go hunting for a rental accommodation, make sure you avoid the above pitfalls.