Dubai, which is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and vibrant cultural scene, attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year. With the continuous surge of visitors, alternative accommodation options like Airbnb have hugely grown in popularity in the city. In fact, Dubai stands out as the most profitable city in the world for Airbnb landlords.
So the answer to the question of whether Airbnb is legal in Dubai, is that, yes, it absolutely is. However, to ensure the safety, security, and responsible use of short-term rentals, the Dubai government has implemented specific guidelines for Airbnb hosts and guests.
If you’re considering embarking on an Airbnb hosting journey in Dubai, complying with the city’s guidelines is paramount. By doing so, you can ensure your guests enjoy an unforgettable stay while also contributing to Dubai’s reputation as a world-class hospitality destination. Ignoring or flouting these guidelines can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines and legal penalties.
Here, we present a comprehensive guide to Dubai’s Airbnb guidelines, equipping you with all the essential information you need before welcoming travelers from all corners of the globe into your home.
Regulations for Airbnb hosts
Below, you will find everything you need to know about the regulations as an Airbnb host in Dubai.
Rental Permits
Before listing their property on Airbnb, hosts must obtain a short-term holiday home rental permit from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This permit ensures that the property meets safety and quality standards set by the authorities. Failure to comply with these licensing regulations can result in hefty fines or legal consequences.
Tourism Dirham Fee
Airbnb hosts are required to collect the Tourism Dirham fee from guests. This nightly fee is imposed on tourists staying in various types of accommodations, and hosts must remit it to the DET as mandated by law. The fee amount varies based on the property type and rating.
Tax Obligations
Hosts are responsible for fulfilling their own tax obligations on the income generated from Airbnb rentals. This involves declaring rental income and paying applicable taxes according to regulations set by the Dubai Economic Department or relevant tax authorities.
Whole Unit Rental
According to DET rules, holiday home units must be rented as a whole and cannot be shared with the owner or other guests. This rule aims to regulate and standardize the holiday home rental market, ensuring fairness for both owners and guests.
No Objection Certificate
Tenants hoping to rent out their rental home must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner. This official document serves as permission, allowing the tenants to lease the property to short-term guests during their absence.
Health and Safety Measures
To ensure the safety of guests, hosts must adhere to strict health and safety standards. This includes providing functioning smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and complying with electrical and structural safety requirements.
Maintain Accurate Guest Records
Hosts must keep precise records of guests’ information, including passport copies, visa details, and contact information. These records may be required by the DET for inspection purposes, and they should be retained for at least 12 months.
Prohibition of Illegal Activities
Guests must be informed that engaging in illegal activities, such as drug use or property damage, is strictly prohibited in Dubai’s Airbnb properties. Moreover, alcohol consumption in non-licensed accommodations like Airbnb properties is generally not allowed.
Compliance with Social Rules
Dubai’s regulatory framework also emphasizes the importance of adhering to social rules. This means guests should avoid disruptive behavior like causing excessive noise or disturbances within residential neighborhoods, and show consideration for others.
Starting your rental journey might appear daunting at first, but there’s no need to be discouraged. With Frank Porter by your side, the complexities of managing your listing on Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms are effortlessly handled on your behalf.
For instance, our proficient accounting team ensures all financial aspects of renting your property, such as payments, platform fees, taxes, and insurance, are taken care of, guaranteeing a smooth and hassle-free experience for you. Meanwhile, you can trust our admin support team to expertly handle compliance with Dubai’s government regulations.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to learn more about what Frank Porter can do for you.
