Dubai shared housing law takes effect in late August; families and bachelors now eligible

Families and bachelors—both men and women—will be able to legally opt for shared housing in Dubai once the new law governing the sector takes effect in late August. Rent will be paid monthly and in advance by default, although landlords and occupants can agree to a different payment arrangement in the tenancy contract.

The new law identifies six categories for which shared housing may be designated: families, individual women, individual men, female students, male students, and government employees and workers of private companies and establishments.

Under the legislation, shared housing involves individuals or families being allocated their own space within a property while sharing common facilities and services such as kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms and outdoor areas. Dubai Municipality can set specific standards for each category depending on the type of property and can also add, amend or remove categories through subsequent decisions.

Properties that may be designated for shared housing include residential apartments, standalone houses, residential complexes, mixed-use buildings, townhouses and multi-storey buildings. Each property will still need to meet the applicable permit, occupancy, planning and safety requirements.

Electricity and water consumption charges will be included in the rent by default unless the landlord and occupant agree otherwise. Tenancy contracts and any amendments to them must be registered in the Shared Accommodation Registry. No property may be designated for shared housing without a permit.