Dubai tenants face eviction for illegal subletting without landlord consent

Dubai residents found sub-leasing property without written consent from their landlord face immediate eviction and potential legal penalties under current RERA regulations. According to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), any tenant who sublets an apartment or shares it with others without formal permission violates Law No. 26 of 2007, which governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in the emirate. Legal requirements for subletting Article 24 of the Dubai Tenancy Law states that a tenant may not sublease a property unless they receive written approval from the landlord. This approval is typically documented as an addendum to the Ejari contract. If a tenant sublets the unit illegally, the landlord has the right to evict both the primary tenant and the sub-tenant, regardless of whether the sub-tenant was aware of the breach. In such cases, the eviction notice is usually 30 days, issued through a Notary Public or by registered mail. The Dubai Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) handles cases where unauthorized sharing occurs. While the Dubai Decree No. 22 of 2022 allows for co-occupancy in certain residential units, it does not bypass the requirement for landlord consent. Residents sharing a villa or apartment must ensure that the total number of occupants complies with Dubai Municipality’s health and safety standards, which vary based on the square footage of the property. Penalties and financial risks Failure to comply with these regulations carries financial risks beyond…