Dubai Introduces New Shared Housing Rules, Bans Mixing Families and Individuals

Dubai has announced new regulations for shared accommodation, stipulating that families and individuals can no longer live together in the same shared residential unit.

The requirements are part of an updated framework for shared housing in Dubai, covering occupancy, residential space, facilities and the locations where shared accommodation can be established.

Existing shared accommodation owners and operators have been given a one-year transition period to bring their properties into compliance with the new requirements.

Families and Individuals Must Live in Separate Units

Under Dubai's updated regulations, a shared accommodation building or villa can only cater to one category of occupants.

The property can be designated for either families or individuals, but both categories cannot be accommodated together in the same shared housing unit.

The regulations also apply to shared accommodation buildings and villas that are being redeveloped or converted for shared occupancy for the first time.

Shared Housing Can Only Be Established in Approved Areas

According to the new regulations, shared housing units can only be established in areas approved for this type of residential use.

The aim is to ensure that shared accommodation is located only in areas considered suitable for such housing arrangements.

Individuals will also not be permitted to occupy shared housing units along several major roads with high levels of tourism and commercial activity.

These roads include Baniyas Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Road and Al Wasl Road.

Family occupancy in shared housing remains permitted along these roads, subject to the applicable regulations, while individual occupancy is restricted.

One-Year Transition Period for Existing Shared Housing

Dubai's updated regulations provide existing building owners and operators currently running shared accommodation with a one-year transition period to bring their properties into compliance.

However, the transition period does not cover violations of existing building regulations or the unauthorised use of buildings or villas for shared occupancy.

Such violations must be addressed to protect residents and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

A building permit is also mandatory for constructing new shared housing buildings or villas, as well as for redeveloping existing buildings or villas for shared accommodation.

Permits and Applications

Applications for licences, completion certificates and shared housing permits must be submitted through the Dubai Building Platform by the engineering consultancy appointed by the property owner.

The application must include details about the building, apartments or rooms, including measurements, occupancy categories and the permitted number of occupants.

Shared housing permits must be applied for after completion of the building and the issuance of the required completion certificate by the relevant authority.

The permit also includes information required for tenancy agreements.

Minimum Bedroom and Bathroom Requirements

The new regulations establish minimum space requirements for residents in shared accommodation.

Every occupant in a shared housing unit must have access to at least five square metres of bedroom space.

The requirement is intended to reduce overcrowding and provide residents with safer and more comfortable living conditions.

Bathroom and Kitchen Requirements

At least one complete bathroom, including a washbasin, toilet and shower, must be provided for every four occupants in a shared housing unit.

Where bathroom facilities are not provided as complete units, individual accommodation must have at least one toilet for every four occupants and one shower for every six occupants.

Shared kitchens in apartments must also meet specific space and safety requirements.

For individual shared accommodation, kitchens must provide at least one square metre of space per occupant while complying with applicable building and health requirements.

Rules for Transport and Bicycle Parking

The regulations also establish requirements covering transportation, bicycle parking, recreation, laundry and drying facilities in shared housing.

Shared housing buildings are exempt from the minimum car parking requirements specified under the applicable regulations.

However, owners or operators must provide designated areas for minibus pickups and drop-offs, subject to the necessary approvals.

Bicycle parking must also be provided in shared housing buildings. The required bicycle parking capacity must be equivalent to at least 10 per cent of the total number of occupants.

Recreation, Laundry and Drying Facilities

Shared housing buildings designated for individual occupancy must provide suitable multipurpose rooms that can be used for dining and recreational activities.

Adequate laundry and drying facilities must also be provided to meet the needs of residents.

New Rules Aim to Create Safer and More Organised Shared Housing

The new framework is aimed at creating safer and more organised conditions for shared accommodation across Dubai.

By establishing clear standards for occupancy, residential space, facilities and approved locations, the regulations seek to protect the rights of both property owners and residents.

The requirements also address issues such as overcrowding, informal shared housing and unauthorised occupancy, along with the potential security and safety risks these arrangements can create for residential communities.

By ensuring that shared housing units meet minimum space requirements and provide appropriate bathroom, recreational, laundry and drying facilities, the regulations also support better standards for residential properties.

Overall, the new requirements strengthen the regulation of Dubai's shared housing sector by establishing clear rules for residential space, occupancy, facilities and approved locations while promoting more organised living arrangements across different sections of the community.