Dubai Subletting Law – Quick Guide for Renters and Landlords

If you’re looking to rent out your apartment for a few months or let a friend move in, you’ve probably wondered how Dubai’s subletting rules work. The short answer: you can’t just hand over the keys to anyone. The law is clear about who may sublet, what paperwork you need, and what happens if you ignore the rules. Below we break it down into simple steps so you can stay on the right side of the authorities.

Who Can Sublet and When?

First, only the primary tenant listed on the original lease can request a sublet. That means you can’t let a flat‑share partner sublet without the landlord’s written consent. The consent must be in writing, signed by the landlord or the managing agency, and attached to the original lease. Skipping this step can turn a harmless arrangement into a breach of contract.

Second, the sublease period can’t exceed the remaining term of the main lease. If your contract ends in December, you can’t sign a sublet that runs past that date. The subtenant also has to be approved by the landlord, who may ask for a copy of the new tenant’s passport and Emirates ID.

Third, the subtenant can’t be a commercial entity. Subletting a residential unit for office use or short‑term tourism (like Airbnb) is prohibited unless you have a specific commercial license. The authorities crack down hard on illegal short‑term rentals, and fines can be steep.

Penalties and How to Stay Legal

If you sublet without permission, the landlord can terminate the lease immediately and demand a refund of the security deposit. Beyond that, the Dubai Land Department may issue a fine ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the breach’s severity. Repeated offenses can lead to blacklisting, making it hard to rent any property in the emirate.

To avoid these headaches, follow a simple checklist:

• Ask for written permission before you start any sublet.
• Make sure the subtenant’s documents are verified and added to the lease.
• Never exceed the original lease’s end date.
• Keep a copy of all correspondence with the landlord for future reference.
• If you’re unsure, consult a real‑estate lawyer who knows Dubai’s rental code.

Landlords also have responsibilities. They must reply to sublet requests within a reasonable time (usually 7‑10 days) and cannot unreasonably refuse a qualified subtenant. If they do, tenants can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center.

In practice, most landlords are fine with subletting as long as they see the subtenant’s details and you keep the rent payments steady. It’s a win‑win: the tenant gets help with costs, and the landlord keeps the property occupied.

Bottom line: always get written consent, respect the lease term, and keep paperwork tidy. That way you can share your space without getting tangled in legal trouble.