Dubai: Experts say that despite operating legally in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, landlords using the online home-renting business Airbnb in other emirates could face legal problems.
In Abu Dhabi, for instance, renting a villa or apartment on Airbnb could leave the owner liable to criminal charges. This has not stopped some from listing their properties on the site, apparently. According to Airbnb’s website, the capital has over 300 apartments, villas, or rooms to rent.
Renting your property on the site, outside of Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, may leave you “exposed to certain risks,” said to Malik Al Rifai, an associate in Al Tamimi & Co’s real estate practice.
These risks could include criminal charges, he added.
“Most importantly [when renting in an emirate outside of Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah], there are criminal aspects, and criminal liability,” Al Rifai said.
“Let’s say you are leasing one bedroom in a house, or you’re leasing to mixed genders, this might negatively affect or expose you.”
According to the lawyer, the lack or regulation in the other emirates might also make a landlord liable under that jurisdiction’s tenancy laws.
Mandatory protections
“[Landlords] listing their properties for short term rental may be exposed to claims by guests who may ask for mandatory protections afforded to them under the relevant tenancy law,” Al Rifai said.
Before 2016, the entire UAE occupied this legal grey area.
First Dubai’s department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced a tie-up with Airbnb, followed by Ras Al Khaimah more recently, in January 2018.
“We’ve come a long way, it’s less confusing now,” Al Rifai said.
The legal expert said that he expects the other emirates to follow Dubai’s lead very soon.
In a story published on Sunday, Airbnb told Gulf News that “policymakers in the region are increasingly recognising the added value of Airbnb.”
