Subletting

Subletting is when a tenant rents out all or part of the leased property to a third party while remaining bound by the head lease. Under Dubai tenancy law the default rule is strict: a tenant may not sublet without the landlord's written consent, and unauthorised subletting is a ground for eviction of both the tenant and the subtenant during the lease term. The issue arises constantly in practice — flat-sharing and room rentals, corporate tenants housing staff, and tenants listing properties for short-term stays (which additionally requires a holiday home permit in Dubai). For tenants, the safe path is a written subletting clause or a specific written consent before anyone moves in. For landlords, evidence of unauthorised occupants supports an eviction case at the Rental Disputes Centre, though notice and proof requirements still apply. Subtenants are the most exposed party: their rights typically collapse with the head lease, so they should verify the landlord's consent exists before paying.