Dubai shared housing exempted from car parking requirements under new DM rules

Shared housing properties in Dubai are exempt from the requirement to provide the minimum number of car parking spaces under new regulations issued by Dubai Municipality. Landlords operating shared housing units are not obligated to supply a set number of car parking bays for tenants, as would normally be required for other residential developments.

However, property owners must comply with regulations governing adjacent areas and available parking spaces within the road reserve. Any such use requires approval from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in accordance with Dubai Building Code requirements.

The new regulations, issued as Dubai Municipality Circular No. (1-3-1) of 2026 in February, specify clear rules for permits, leasing, and safety standards. Violations may result in fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh500,000.

Bicycle parking is mandatory. Property owners must provide bicycle parking equivalent to at least 10 per cent of the building's total occupants. For a shared housing building with 100 occupants, at least 10 bicycle parking spaces must be provided. These spaces may be provided within the road reserve after obtaining RTA approval.