Deadline for families sharing villas expires in Sharjah

Sharjah: The drive against families sharing villas has gained momentum in Sharjah after the deadline on eviction of families sharing villas expired on Friday in Dubai, Gulf News has learnt.

"It is not allowed for families to share accommodation in Sharjah as well. Families found flouting the rules are first issued a warning letter, and if they fail to evacuate, their electricity connection will then be cut," said Mohammad Al Ka'abi, Manager of Security Section at Sharjah Municipality.

Authorities are intensifying their campaign on families sharing villas as the municipality have teamed up with the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department to enforce the rules.

Not affordable

In order to renew the residency visa in Sharjah, residents have to show a copy of the tenancy contract either in their name, their husbands or their fathers, according to Al Ka'abi.

The issue was implemented three years ago by the Municipal Council.

"I am sharing a villa with another family and am worried about what to do. I have taken an apartment in Ajman but the rent is a lot higher than what I am paying now. I still have time before my residency visa expires, so I will keep looking for more options," said Menifer Martin.

"I cannot afford to pay for a villa on my own because the rents are so expensive, so the only way for my family to live is in a shared accommodation. I will try to move out soon and find a shared accommodation in Ajman instead," said Mohammad Abdul Raheem.

Bachelors are allowed to share apartments in industrial areas as long as they comply with the rule of three people per bedroom.

"My residency visa is issued in Dubai, so I hope that I will not face any problem. It is difficult to find reasonable accommodation prices these days so sharing is the only alternative," said A.M.K.

Dubai tenants sharing accommodation in villas will be unable to seek refuge in Sharjah as the same rule for one family one villa applies there as well.

Dubai Municipality recently launched a campaign targeting villas housing bachelors, and the second phase targets villas where several families live together.

Do you know anyone who lives in shared accommodation? Have they found a suitable alternative? If not, what were the problems they faced?