Dubai is set to introduce a new law regulating shared housing by the end of August, allowing families, individual men and women, students, and employees to legally opt for shared accommodation arrangements.

The legislation defines six eligible categories for shared housing: families, individual women, individual men, female students, male students, and government or private sector workers. This broadens the concept beyond traditional shared housing for unrelated workers.

Under the law, occupants or families will have their own designated spaces within a property while sharing common facilities such as kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. However, not every category will have access to all types of shared housing, as Dubai Municipality will set specific standards and may adjust categories over time.

Properties eligible for shared housing include residential apartments, standalone houses, residential complexes, mixed-use buildings, townhouses, and multi-storey buildings. All such properties must comply with relevant permits, occupancy, planning, and safety regulations.

Rent Payment and Utilities

The new law establishes a default rent payment system requiring rent to be paid monthly and in advance, though landlords and tenants may agree to alternative arrangements documented in the tenancy contract. All tenancy contracts and amendments must be registered in the Shared Accommodation Registry.

Electricity and water charges are included in the rent by default unless otherwise agreed. Even if utility payments are handled separately, landlords remain responsible for paying the bills to service providers. The rent also covers the occupant’s use of shared facilities within the property.

Visitor Restrictions and Subletting

The law prohibits occupants from allowing others to reside in or benefit from their allocated space, effectively banning subletting. However, it does not explicitly forbid occasional social visitors, leaving the distinction between guests and residents to be determined by the nature and frequency of visits. Regular overnight stays or use of the space as a home by unregistered individuals would not be permitted.

Additional visitor rules may be introduced through further regulations or property-specific guidelines.

Objectives and Scope

Announced in March, the law aims to regulate shared housing management and occupancy across Dubai, safeguarding the rights of owners and residents, ensuring safe and healthy living conditions, preventing overcrowding and informal housing, addressing building and land-use violations, and promoting fair rental practices.

The legislation applies throughout the emirate, including private development zones and free zones, but excludes collective labor accommodations. Properties must obtain a permit from Dubai Municipality before being designated for shared housing. Permit applications have not yet opened as procedures are still being finalized.