Kenyans in Dubai Warned as New Shared Accommodation Law Takes Effect
Dubai has begun enforcing new rules governing shared accommodation, requiring property owners and licensed operators to obtain permits and register tenancy contracts under Law No. (4) of 2026.
The law came into effect on 26 August and applies across Dubai, including special development zones and free zones. Labour camps are excluded from the legislation.
Under the new rules, shared accommodation can only be operated by property owners or licensed operators with the required approval. Tenants are not allowed to sublet rooms to other people.
Tenancy arrangements must follow one of two permitted structures: directly between the property owner and residents, or through a licensed management company. The legislation also establishes a Shared Housing Register, an electronic system where all tenancy contracts must be recorded for them to be legally valid.
The system is intended to provide greater oversight of shared accommodation and reduce informal tenancy arrangements. Despite the law taking effect immediately, Dubai Municipality has said inspections will not begin until the required procedures are completed.
Property owners and operators have been given a one-year grace period to comply with the new requirements. The Director-General may extend the period at their discretion.
Once enforcement begins, properties that fail to comply could face serious penalties. These include cancellation of permits, disconnection of utilities and, ultimately, court-ordered notices requiring residents to vacate the property. However, residents must be given sufficient time to find alternative accommodation before they are required to leave.
Fines under the law range from Dh500 to Dh500,000 for each violation. Repeat offences committed within one year can attract double penalties, with the maximum fine rising to Dh1 million, equivalent to about KSh35 million.
The penalties are primarily directed at property owners and operators rather than individual tenants. The law permits six categories of people to live in shared accommodation.
They include employees of government bodies and private companies, meaning Kenyan workers employed in Dubai remain eligible to live in shared housing provided the accommodation meets the new requirements. The main change for many Kenyan residents will be the move from informal housing arrangements to officially registered tenancy contracts.
Workers who have traditionally shared rented flats or rooms and divided the costs among themselves will need to ensure that their arrangements comply with the new rules. The changes come as Dubai continues to record strong demand for workers. GulfTalent reported 6,744 active job vacancies in the emirate as of 26 August, with positions available in sectors including hospitality, education and corporate services.
Companies such as Marriott International, Accor and GEMS Education were among the employers advertising vacancies. GulfTalent enables job seekers, including Kenyans, to create profiles, apply directly to employers and receive job alerts based on their preferences.
