Your building has a say
The permit is only half of it. Six things to settle with your tower before the first guest.
Read the building rules first
Many towers have their own rules on short stays, set by the developer or the owners' association. Ask the building management for them in writing before you furnish or list.
Ask whether a no-objection letter is needed
Some buildings ask owners for a no-objection certificate before a unit can host guests. Find out who issues it, what it needs and how long it takes.
Register guests the building's way
Many towers want guest names, ID and dates sent ahead so security can let them in. Agree the process with the front desk, and keep to it every time.
Plan access cards and keys
Find out how many access cards the building will issue, what a lost card costs to replace and whether guests can collect them from the desk.
Respect the shared spaces
Pool, gym and parking rules apply to guests too. Put them in your house rules and in the welcome message, so guests know before they arrive.
Keep the neighbours on side
Noise and lift traffic are the usual complaints. Quick replies to the building and clear quiet hours do more than anything to keep a tower friendly to short stays.
Next: can you Airbnb in Dubai?, check-in and parties and noise.
Our pick
fäm Living checks your building's rules before anything else
fäm Living lists and runs Dubai apartments and villas on Airbnb, Booking.com and direct, as licensed holiday homes. Its own team handles check-in, cleaning and maintenance, and owners see every booking in the owner portal. Part of the fäm Properties group.
Talk to fäm Living about your home- Holiday home permit handled
- Listing, photos and pricing
- Guest screening and in-person check-in
- Cleaning, linen and maintenance
Questions
Building rules: host questions
Can my building stop me from listing my apartment on Airbnb in Dubai?
A building can set its own rules for short stays, and some ask for a no-objection certificate. Check with the building management before you list, alongside the holiday home permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism.
Do Airbnb guests need to be registered with my building?
Many Dubai towers ask for guest names and ID before arrival so security can let them in. Ask your building how it wants this done.
Who deals with the building if I use a management company?
A full-service company usually handles guest registration, access cards and building complaints for you. Ask who your building's contact will be.