Abu Dhabi inspectors find 600 cases of residential overcrowding

A municipal inspector speaks to a resident at a shared accommodation in Abu Dhabi during the civic body’s campaign. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Municipality

ABU DHABI // A campaign to curb residential overcrowding has uncovered 600 breaches of the law since the start of the year.

Say No to Bachelors Thronging Residential Neighbourhoods was launched by Abu Dhabi Municipality to urge property owners and residents to report cases of too many people in the one home.

“Bachelors” refers to expatriate workers who have left their families in their home countries to work in the UAE.

The municipality asked residents to report such cases to them, saying overcrowding affects the security and safety of neighbourhoods.

Those caught breaking the law have been warned to move out, a municipality spokesman said.

“We have issued notices to tenants, owners of properties, investors and property managers asking them to correct their position,” the spokesman said.

The 600 cases were discovered through a combination of inspections and reporting by neighbours.

After warnings have been issued, municipality officials conduct follow-up inspections to ensure the problem has been resolved.

Persistent offenders could face a fine up to Dh100,000.

“In order to preserve the privacy of residential neighbourhoods, the municipality is calling on residents to participate in its campaign aimed at combating the problem of bachelors and workers’ thronging these areas, since it triggers social, security and health problems,” said Ahmed Al Mazroui, director of external centres for the municipality.

“The municipality has published several articles in newspapers urging landlords of residential units and property management companies to comply with the provisions of the law.”

Mr Al Mazroui said the municipality was determined to make sure offenders were stopped.

Under Abu Dhabi laws, a residential unit can only be occupied only by a single family or three bachelors.

This law covers flats, attached residential villas, detached residential villas or villa apartments. A villa can be shared by up to six bachelors.

Those who are aware of overcrowding should call the toll-free number 800 2220 or 800 555 to make a report.