Everything you need to know to become an Airbnb host in Dubai, whether you own or not…
There is a lot of noise around Airbnb. How does Airbnb and other online vacation rental platforms work? What does it really take to become a host? Is it safe? How do you earn money?
Here’s everything you need to know to be an Airbnb host in Dubai.
Airbnb in Dubai is regulated
Above: White Palm Villa @ Palm Jumeirah
All hosts who use Airbnb to rent their properties in Dubai must register with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DTCM) to obtain a permit to list their properties. This is ultimately very good news for visitors as they will have the assurance that the accommodation they book has been classified according to the requirements of the DTCM.
All Airbnb hosts are responsible for ensuring that their activities comply with local laws and regulations.
Above: 2BR at Boulevard Point Downtown Dubai
How to register and obtain a permit with the DTCM
- Create a ‘Home Owner’ account online on the DTCM Holiday Homes website: hh.dtcm.gov.ae/holidayhomes
- Follow the steps as instructed, submit the required documents, and then pay the necessary fees to the Dubai Tourism Board to start your approval process.
- After approval, the owner will get their own username and account as an approved vacation home provider. You will then need to apply for a permit by: clicking on “add a unit”; complete the property details form; attaching the required documents. (This includes the unit’s title deed, copy of owner’s passport, authorization letter and recent DEWA invoice for the unit); submit application and await DTCM approval; pay for the permit; and finally, you will then receive a certificate, which must be visible somewhere in your property.
Above: 2-story NYC-style loft with sea view
You don’t need to own your property to be an Airbnb host
You can rent your accommodation even if you are not the owner. Owners or tenants still need to register the property with Dubai Tourism Holiday homes website to be able to accommodate short term guests in Dubai. It will also require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner. For tenants who have the agreement of their landlord to operate the house as a holiday home, the following documents are required:
- Lease agreement with sublease clause
- A certificate of no objection from the owner
- Title deed
- Copy of owner’s passport or Emirates ID
- A recent DEWA invoice (under the name of the owner or tenant)
You cannot rent only one room of your accommodation
In accordance with DTCM vacation home rules, a vacation home unit must be rented as a whole and cannot be shared with the owner or another guest.
Above: The Lakehouse Luxury Villa, Dubai
There are companies in Dubai that will help you put it all together
Does renting out your apartment sound great to you, barring all the work? It’s true, there is work. As you have read, in Dubai you need to register, register your property and provide specific information to the DTCM. Once you’ve done all of that, you also need to stage, photograph and list your property, maintain client contact and adjust your availability when using multiple platforms, but you don’t have to do it all yourself. .
Discover companies such as Frank Porter, Home and AirDXB. These guys help organize everything for you, from getting your permit, calculating your tourist dirham fee each month, sorting out cleaning, laundry, etc.
To view the full overview of the rules on “Dubai Holiday Home Rental Regulations”, click on the link here.
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