Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. 4 of 2026 to regulate the management and occupancy of shared housing across the emirate.
The legislation introduces a comprehensive framework designed to protect the rights of property owners and residents while ensuring safe and healthy living conditions.
The law applies to private development zones and free zones, as well as property owners authorised to allocate residential units for shared housing and tenants living in such units. It also covers licensed establishments that lease or manage units on behalf of owners or sublease them to residents. Collective labour accommodation units are excluded.
The new framework seeks to curb overcrowding and informal housing arrangements while promoting fair rental practices and maintaining the stability and appearance of Dubai’s real estate market.
Dubai Municipality will oversee the sector by setting policies, defining maximum occupancy levels, specifying space requirements per resident and identifying areas where shared housing is permitted. The authority will also operate a unified digital platform to process permits and maintain records accessible to relevant government entities.
Dubai Land Department will manage an electronic registry for shared housing units and link it to the municipal platform. The department will also determine the required information for lease and management contracts and publish standardised templates.
Under the law, no unit may be allocated for shared housing without a permit. Permits will be valid for one year and renewable, with an option for a two year permit upon request.
Violations may result in fines ranging from AED500 to AED500,000, with repeat offences reaching up to AED1 million. Additional penalties may include permit cancellation, suspension of activity, licence revocation or eviction of non compliant units.
Existing operators will have one year to comply once the law takes effect 180 days after publication in the Official Gazette.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
