No 'one villa, one family' rule in Dubai

Dubai: There is no "one villa, one family" rule in Dubai and the campaign against overcrowded villas has been misunderstood, a top civil official said on Sunday.

Interactive Map: Dubai Rental Index

"The municipality has started a campaign against overcrowding in villas to ensure the safety and security of residents," clarified Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of the Dubai Municipality.

He said the campaign was targeted against high numbers of people living in villas meant for smaller numbers.

"We can accept five to eight people in a villa - depending on its size - but not 20 to 30 people," he said.

He explained that overcrowding puts pressure on civic service and also created security and safety problems.

"We face overflowing sewage, water and parking shortages and garbage collection problems in overcrowded villas because facilities in the areas have been designed according to the need of the areas. Overcrowding creates a lot of social implications also," he added.

He said the municipality did not have any problem with more than one family living in a villa, provided it was big enough.

"But let me clarify here as well that tenants and landlords cannot decide on this issue, because many landlords, especially real estate agents, are greedy and try to make more money by renting villas to a maximum number of people.

"Families sharing a villa have to seek permission from the municipality to know whether a villa is big enough to accommodate a certain number of people," he added.

Lootah said that the main objective of the campaign was to ensure a clean environment.

Since the campaign began in 2005, thousands of villa owners have been fined.

Great for those who can afford this, but How about the low-paid workers who are. How about the landlords who have been allowing them to share? These people need a solution.
Brit
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 13:19

I wish this has come earlier. Thousand's of people's lives have been disrupted because of this rule.
Phil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 13:10

I think this is a good move and relief for people who are unable to afford rents in flats.
Skbarali
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 13:07

It is really beyond control. Landlords are charging rent and tenants have to bear all ups and downs. Authorities should controll rent or provide cheaper rental appartments specially designed for bechelors and also in proper commercial areas.
Devanand
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 13:07

Many landlords in Dubai are abusing their tenants.
dyani
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 13:05

Very good and useful information but if there is no control on the subletting of villas or flats, the middle- class workers will suffer as they have to pay half of their earning as bedspace. I request the concerned authorities to ensure that tenants are staying in the rooms and stop the subletting practices.
Unni
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 13:05

Good move! Nobody wants to stay in overcrowded places. I would rather stay alone in a huge villa as long as I can afford to pay the rent.
Maria
sharjah,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 12:57

I think this would put pressure on lower-medium income group families. A single family is often not able to pay the same rent as possibly four bachelors. However, the UAE's economy is stimulated more in terms of schooling and groceires. How can a family with a single bread-winner compete with rents of four people that share?
Mirdif Mike
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 12:49

Good move, but sadly, I have sent my family back home.
S Prakasha Permude
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 12:27

It's a good news for everybody. At least somebody cares for us and besides there is no problem even if it were 1 villa for 1 family as long as we can afford it. Nobody would want to stay in a crowded villa! The only problem is to get a salary that will enable us to afford to pay for a villa!
Charie Lyne
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 10:58

Good decision from the concerned department, but it may be too late. They say that the "one villa one family" rule was misunderstood. But why do they not study the situation and all other conditions before implementing any such rules which affect everyone in the community, especially low income people.
Mohammed Ashker
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 10:57

I really appreciate the moves by Dubai government for making Dubai most happening and livable place on earth. I thank the rulers for their kindness.
Adnan Ansari
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 10:56

I wish authorities have come up with this explanation before the people were evacuated from villas.
Suresh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 10:40

Well at least this lessens the burdens on residents who cannot afford an entire villa. We hope that expatriates will follow this new rule, so they can live without any worries. We have to thank the municipality for this consideration.
Mark
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 10:33

I think this is a good move and relief for people who are unable to afford rents in flats.
Abhilash
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 10:08

This is a good strategic decision, really appreciated. Such a rule is not practical, especially amidst the financial crisis. I hope and wish everything returns to normalcy.
Raj
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 09:35

Most of the Bachelors are spending a good percentage of their hard earned money for "bed space" in Dubai. Most of the rooms are with less convenience and more rent. The municipality should pressurise the landlords to directly lend their room or flats to the tenants. This will help the rents to come down.
Krishna Das
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 08:52

This is a very good decision from the municipality. It serves three important purposes. 1) It gives relief to the low income groups 2) It restraints the landlords from taking excessive rents from the tenants without improving the facilities 3) It also prevents over crowding and subsequent problems.
Manikantan S.
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 08:47

Its good to know that authorities are looking at the issues of its people.
Abdullah
AUH,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 08:41

Thanks for the clarification. I suggest that ?over crowded? be defined by square metre like how many people can live in a square metre.
Erfan Shallwani
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 08:34

is there any formula or rule to calculate the area per person living ina villa
Matin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 07:44

Thanks for clarifying this issue. I shifted to Sharjah last year because of the rule. I'm willing to come back to Dubai. So this is a happy news for me and thousands like me.
Mohras
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 02, 2009, 07:07