Co-living Space in Dubai

Dubai landlords offering co-living rentals are now adhering to Dubai Municipality regulations, ensuring each tenant receives a minimum of 5 square meters of space. This follows increased scrutiny from authorities cracking down on illegal partitioning and overcrowding in co-living spaces. Landlords must also obtain approvals from Dubai Civil Defence and Dubai Municipality for any internal modifications.

The crackdown has led to a noticeable decrease in new sublet listings, with a drop of 30-35%. However, the market is seeing increased exposure for licensed co-living options, which, while carrying higher rents, offer compliance and security. Popular areas for co-living include Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Downtown, JLT, and Al Barsha.

Security deposits for co-living rentals are typically lower, ranging from Dh1,000 to Dh2,000, compared to Dh5,000 to Dh7,000 for a full one-bedroom unit. Landlords should specify the deposit amount in the agreement, provide receipts, and refund any remaining balance after the tenancy. All occupants residing for a month or longer must be registered in the Dubai Land Department system via the Dubai REST app.