Can I share my apartment or sublet a room in Dubai?

• Rental law: you can't sublet all or part of the property without your landlord's written consent. Without it, the landlord can seek eviction.
• Shared-housing law (Law No. 4 of 2026, in force 26 August 2026): only property owners and licensed operators can let shared accommodation. Residents can't sublet rooms or bed spaces, and a tenant taking payment from other residents counts as unauthorised subletting. Fines range from AED 500 to AED 500,000, doubling for repeat offences.
• Partitions (splitting bedrooms, living areas or balconies) need a Dubai Municipality permit.

Sharing a home isn't illegal in itself, but it has to fit the rules. If you want to share:

1. Tell your landlord and get their written approval.
2. Check your building's occupancy rules.
3. Don't collect rent from flatmates unless you've confirmed it's lawful. Consider both being named on the tenancy instead.
4. Get advice if you're unsure. The rules are new and enforcement includes inspections.

Friends or family staying for a while isn't subletting, as long as they aren't paying you rent or moving in permanently.