Tenant Registration for Shared Housing in Dubai

Dubai landlords are now strictly scrutinizing Ejari tenancy agreements, requiring tenants to declare all occupants residing in their apartments or villas. This move is part of a crackdown on unlicensed shared housing, with authorities implementing a "zero tolerance" policy. Landlords face stiff penalties for non-compliance, leading to increased inspections and a focus on ensuring all residents are properly registered.

Under the current regulations, only landlords with specific licenses can offer co-living arrangements. Tenants must register all occupants staying for a month or more through the Dubai Land Department's (DLD) REST app, as Ejari contracts typically list only the primary tenant. While subleases are permitted if the landlord has the necessary approvals, they must be linked to the primary Ejari registration.

Despite the increased scrutiny, the licensed co-living market hasn't seen rent spikes. Shared rooms in areas like Al Barsha and Deira are available at competitive monthly rates. The co-living market is expanding rapidly in central areas like Business Bay and Dubai Marina, driven by rising living costs and evolving lifestyles, with an estimated annual growth of around 25%.