Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Authorities in the UAE have warned residents and property owners against overcrowding in villas and apartments, as well as other housing violations, with fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh1 million. Penalties will be imposed on individuals illegally subletting villas and apartments, and those living in overcrowded housing units. Here are 18 illegal housing schemes listed in the law:

Overcrowding

Occupying real estate and residential units in a way that exceeds the number of people allowed. Fine: Dh50,000 or Dh100,000 for repeat violators

Illegal subleasing

Occupying or subleasing real estate and residential units or public housing. Fine: Dh25,000 or Dh50,000 for repeat violators

Living in property not meant for housing

Occupancy of real estate and residential units or public housing other than for the purpose for which it was intended. Fine:  Dh50,000 or Dh100,000 for repeat violators

Families sharing villa or apartment

More than one family in a residential unit. Fine: Dh12,500 or Dh25,000 for repeat violators

Sharing villa or apartment

Living in same housing unit with bachelors or people not related by blood or marriage. Fine: Dh25,000 or Dh50,000 for repeat violators

Renting public housing

Leasing public housing or unauthorised appurtenances. Fine: Dh50,000 or Dh100,000 for repeat violators

Living in villa or apartment without permit

Occupancy of real estate and residential units or public housing before the issuance of the occupancy certificate or a temporary occupancy certificate. Fine: Dh12,500 or Dh25,000 for repeat violators

Living in property with expired permit

Occupancy of real estate and residential units or public housing after the occupancy certificate has expired. Fine: Dh5,000 or Dh10,000 for repeat violators

Living in property with cancelled permit

Occupancy of real estate and residential units or public housing after the cancellation of the occupancy certificate. Fine: Dh25,000 or Dh50,000 for repeat violators

Living in property due for demolition

Occupying or renting real estate, residential units, or public housing after the demolition permit, in whole or in part, has been issued. Fine: Dh500,000 or Dh1 million for repeat violators Occupying or renting real estate and residential units or public housing after the issuance of a decision by the competent authority to demolish it in whole or in part. Fine: Dh500,000 or Dh1 million for repeat violators

Leasing property for unauthorized purposes

Leasing real estate and residential units or public housing in residential areas for unauthorised categories. Fine: Dh50,000 or Dh100,000 for repeat violators

Renting out apartment or villa as group housing

Leasing real estate and residential units as a group housing. Fine: Dh100,000 or Dh200,000 for repeat violators

Violating housing safety and hygiene rules

Violating security, safety and public health procedures for residential units in terms of ventilation, air conditioning, hygiene, and public health requirements. Fine: Dh25,000 or Dh50,000 for repeat violators

Using property for illegal purposes

Occupying real estate in a manner that violates public norms or morals prevalent in the state. Fine: Dh25,000 or Dh50,000 for repeat violators

Renting out farm property as bachelor accommodation

Renting buildings built on farms and ranches to workers or bachelors: Dh50,000 or Dh100,000 for repeat violators

Using farm property as bachelor accommodation

Occupying the buildings built on farms and estates by corporate or bachelor workers. Fine: Dh25,000 or Dh50,000 for repeat violators

Obstructing the work of housing authorities

Obstructing the work of authorised persons, interfering with them, preventing them from performing their duties in controlling acts committed in violation of the provisions of the law or its executive regulations or the decisions issued of their implementation. Fine: Dh50,000 or Dh100,000 for repeat violators. ICA/Expat Media
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