Are Relatives Allowed to Live in Tenants’ Homes

People are coming to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to have a good life. The UAE government has encouraged foreigners to settle in the UAE and boost the economy with their expertise in the IT and financial sectors. Therefore, the real estate sector has made strict regulations to maintain the best community standards in the UAE. Individuals want to stay safe with their families in the UAE.

Not everyone can afford a house in the UAE; therefore, the rental market is booming in the UAE. Properties are rented by expatriates with obligations of tenants.

Many tenants in the UAE wonder if relatives can live in their rented homes during the tenant’s absence. According to tenancy and immigration laws, relatives are generally not allowed to stay in the tenant’s rented property if the tenant is away, as this may be considered illegal subletting.

The UAE has established tenancy laws to maintain community standards while protecting the rights of both tenants and landlords. Under Law No. 33 of 2008, tenants may have relatives live with them, but they must comply with occupancy rules and the tenancy agreement. The main argument is that relatives should not use the property in the tenant’s absence unless permitted.

Your immediate family, like parents, spouse, or children, can live in your rented property without paying rent. However, the issues arise when the rent is charged to the relatives or rooms are rented in the same house. A more problematic situation is when the tenants leave the house and allow relatives to occupy the rented property. It is known as illegal subletting. The landlord shall give consent for subletting the property to the tenant’s relatives. In another scenario, there is a limit to living in a property. If the occupants are more than that, all of them cannot live in that property.

In such situations, the arrangement may be treated as unauthorized subletting, which is prohibited unless the landlord has given written consent.

The tenancy contracts in Dubai are implemented to ensure the best community standards. Under the tenancy laws, subletting property to your relative without the consent of the landowner is illegal in the UAE. The landlord may object to the residency of the relatives if they affect the neighborhood with their acts, such as putting up loud music, creating disturbance, or making other people unsafe around them. Therefore, always consult lawyers for your tenancy contracts in Dubai.

The management of the building plays a vital role in establishing the community standards.

Though all properties are registered with Ejari, ensuring accurate rental agreements are signed between the landlord and the tenant. The occupancy in Dubai is limited in rented properties to keep everyone safe and the well-being of the community. However, the security staff is also hired in the gated communities to protect the occupants within the community. Therefore, often individuals are asked for the Emirates ID of the occupants along with their relatives.

Expatriates in the UAE must work carefully with the rental contracts. They must comply with the immigration laws. However, the short-term stays are acceptable on a visit visa. The long-term residency highlights the appropriateness of the visa type. They have certain obligations before they can sponsor a family member.

The landlords have the right to object to their property if the tenant is violating the tenancy agreement. This includes the illegal subletting of the property by the tenant to their relatives. A legal notice will be served to those tenants by the landlords, and orders of eviction may be followed through the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre. Dispute resolution is possible through the Land Department in Dubai. The authorities would evaluate the evidence to resolve the issue.

A case came forward in the Dubai Marina apartments. A tenant had a two-bedroom apartment. They invited their parents and their brother to stay with them for six months. The neighbours raised the issue of increased occupancy. The case was escalated to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, which is governed by the Land Department of Dubai. The verdict favored the tenant. Rent was not charged to the relatives.

To remain compliant in Dubai, tenants should be careful about the limit of occupancy. They should not sublet the property to their extended family, which means rent cannot be charged from the relatives. Also, they must let the building management know the time duration of their stay, whether long-term or short-term. In case of extended time, a written consent shall be presented by the landlord.

Despite having tenancy contracts and laws in the UAE, disputes arise. The legal professionals are there to assist clients with tenancy laws and contracts. Those legal professionals can present the case for their clients regarding issues of illegal subletting, delayed rental payments, or any kind of issue with the maintenance of the property.