What documents are required to list a property as a short-term rental?
To list a property as a short-term rental in Dubai, several key documents and steps are required to comply with local regulations. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), oversees short-term rental regulations. Below is a breakdown of the documents and requirements needed:
Proof of Ownership or Lease Agreement
If you are the owner, you’ll need to provide a Title Deed. For tenants wishing to sublease their property as a short-term rental, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord is required.
Personal Identification Documents
You must submit valid identification, such as a copy of your Emirates ID and passport.
Short-Term Rental Permit
You must apply for a short-term rental permit through the Dubai DET portal. This permit allows you to legally operate your property as a short-term rental. The cost varies based on property size, starting from AED 370 for studios and going up to AED 1,200 for larger units.
Property Compliance Documents
Properties must meet safety standards, so you may need to submit building compliance certificates (e.g., fire safety, health and safety). An inspection by DET officials might be required to ensure your property complies with Dubai’s rental standards.
Insurance
Securing short-term rental insurance is critical to cover liabilities such as guest injuries, property damage, and theft. While platforms like Airbnb offer some insurance, it is advisable to get additional coverage tailored to Dubai’s regulations.
Tourism Dirham Fee Registration
All short-term rental hosts are required to register for the Tourism Dirham Fee. This fee, which ranges between AED 10 and AED 15 per room per night, must be collected from guests and remitted to the government monthly.
Homeowners Association (HOA) Approval
If the property is in a community governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), you may need additional approval from the HOA to operate a short-term rental.
Additional Considerations:
Ensure you adhere to zoning restrictions that may limit short-term rentals in certain areas.
Properties must meet occupancy limits set by Dubai's regulations, which range from 6 guests for studios to 20 guests for larger properties.
Following these steps and maintaining compliance with Dubai’s regulations ensures you can operate your property legally as a short-term rental while avoiding fines and penalties.