As a result of high rents, many residents in Abu Dhabi choose to share their accommodation. A new law issued earlier this year may make sharing more difficult in the future.

Not all residential units are suitable for multiple occupation and often cause problems, especially with parking and noise.

Depending on the type and design of a unit, there are also sometimes more serious health and safety issues, such as fire hazards caused by an overload on electrical systems or undue pressure on drainage.

The new law issued by the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi prohibits the overcrowding of any residential property in the emirate (including worker's accommodation). It states that any unit in excess of the capacity of the unit and a breach of the health and safety guidelines may result in fines and potential evacuation of that unit.

Although there are no specific standards regarding occupancy levels in Abu Dhabi, there are some existing controls and restrictions.

The Ministry of Labour has also set out minimum occupancy levels for labour accommodation.

In addition, the International Building Codes, which came into effect in Abu Dhabi on January 1, provide for construction standards which include an assessment of the use and occupancy of buildings to ensure the health and safety of its occupants.

Buildings in Abu Dhabi are regulated by the municipalities so that any alterations to existing buildings must have a building permit.

The new law is not clear about what will constitute a breach. There are no floor space ratios. It simply states that the specification and number of occupants of a residential unit should be "in proportion with its area and in accordance with the general morals and ethics as applicable in the state".

It may be that an assessment will be made on a case by case basis. This is not uncommon in other jurisdictions like in the UK, where local municipalities often licence such accommodations.

In addition to space occupancy numbers are dictated by factors such as fire precautions, bathroom and cooking facilities and proximity to exits.

General morals and ethics are, however, more difficult to define. One example is the campaign in Dubai, led by the Dubai Municipality, referred to as ‘One villa, one family', which not only sought to deal with overcrowding caused by families sharing villas, but also targeted groups of single young men sharing accommodation in residential areas.

Ethical considerations

Although health and safety of buildings was a consideration, in cases of men sharing villa accommodation, local morals and ethics may also have played a part.

Further executive regulations are expected, which may provide some clarity. There is also a six-month grace period until September 15 (although this may be extended) whereby any persons affected by the law may "adjust their conditions" accordingly.

In the meantime landlords will need to ensure that their lease agreements require tenants to comply with occupancy standards.

The writer is the regional director of planning and environment at Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP.