UAE Property: 'Can my tenant legally list my apartment as a holiday rental without my consent?'
Question: I own an apartment in Dubai Marina, which I've rented to the same tenant for two years. A neighbour recently contacted me because different people appear to be entering the apartment every few days with suitcases. I checked one of the holiday rental websites and, to my surprise, found what appears to be my apartment being advertised for short-term stays . I never agreed to this and my…
A Dubai tenant has not violated their lease agreement by subletting their apartment without explicit permission, as long as the rent continues to be paid on time. The tenancy contract explicitly states that the apartment is meant for residential use only, and subletting is not illegal in Dubai, but the landlord must be informed and agree to the arrangement.
To address the situation, the landlord should gather evidence of the unauthorized rental, such as screenshots of the advertising, photographs, and messages from neighbors or building management. The landlord should then communicate with the tenant to understand the circumstances and request an explanation, rather than making accusations.
Additionally, the landlord should investigate whether the property has been improperly registered as a holiday rental without their knowledge. It's crucial to recognize that short-term occupation may lead to increased wear and tear, potential issues with access cards, building security, and insurance.
The landlord should also ensure they have a clear understanding of the property's ownership and any outstanding mortgage or expenses. If the landlord cannot reach an agreement with the tenant, seeking guidance from a Dubai-based lawyer specializing in property and co-ownership disputes is recommended.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
