lations now in force, property owners are taking proactive measures—verifying Emirates ID, job details, and tenancy history—to ensure compliance and prevent future violations. “Landlords are now more conscious, preferring stable family tenants or corporate leases,” said Humaira Vaqqas of Range International Properties. The crackdown, launched in late June, targeted densely populated areas such as Al Rigga, Al Muraqabbat, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa, where unauthorized modifications posed structural and safety risks. “This shift benefits landlords, who now deal with single tenants rather than managing multiple payments from several individuals,” added Swapna Tekchandani of Property Zone Real Estate. Under Dubai Tenancy Law (Article 24), tenants are prohibited from subletting or assigning units without written consent from landlords. Violations can lead to legal consequences and forced evictions. Costly Repairs and Renovations In response, many property owners are removing illegal partitions and investing in renovations worth up to Dh45,000, restoring properties to their original single-unit layout. These repairs often include fixing ceilings, flooring, and structural damage caused by unauthorized alterations. “Many landlords are fully renovating their units before re-entering the rental market to meet legal standards,” said Ayman Youssef, Managing Director at Coldwell Banker.