Municipality moves to cut residential congestion

ABU DHABI // Anyone caught breaking the rules on residential occupancy face hefty fines, Abu Dhabi Municipality has warned as it attempts to curb overcrowding.

“The move is aimed at educating tenants not to encourage some opportunistic investors, who are seeking quick profit at the expense of tenants by exploiting their circumstances and their need for accommodation,” Ahmed Fadel Al Mazroui, the director of external centres at the municipality, said on Sunday.

“Therefore, we call upon all dwellers of accommodations in breach of laws, conditions and health and environmental standards in the residential neighbourhoods to redress their affairs and adhere to the provisions of law No (1) for 2011, governing occupancy of residential units.”

The municipality also cautioned that partitioning or dividing leasable residential units was not allowed. Renting or occupying properties for which partial or complete demolition permits have been issued is also prohibited.

A residential unit should be occupied only by a single family or three bachelors, whether it is an apartment in a commercial building, an attached residential villa, detached residential villa or villa apartment. A villa can be shared by up to six bachelors.

Those found to be in breach of the rules could face a fine of up to Dh100,000.

If people are aware of overcrowding, they should contact the municipality on the toll-free number 8002220/800555 to make a report.