Legal Rights and Risks: Can Your Tenant Turn Your Dubai Property Into a Holiday Home?

A property owner in Dubai Marina recently discovered that their long-term tenant was illegally listing their apartment as a short-term holiday rental on booking websites. Although the rent has been paid on time, the landlord is concerned about liability, unauthorized commercial use, and increased wear and tear. Experts advise documenting the evidence, questioning the tenant, and reviewing local regulations, as unauthorized subletting is illegal in Dubai.

In a separate property query, an unmarried co-owner in Dubai is struggling to sell a jointly-owned villa because her former partner refuses to cooperate. With an active mortgage and an uncooperative co-owner, legal experts note that while joint ownership does not trap individuals indefinitely, resolving such disputes may require independent valuations, refinancing, or consulting a Dubai lawyer specializing in co-ownership disputes.