Overcrowded homes to invite hefty fine
ABU DHABI CIVIC BODY TO LAUNCH FIELD INSPECTIONS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS UNDER NEW DRIVE
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has launched the ‘Your home, your responsibility’ awareness campaign in the cities and regions of Abu Dhabi to combat overcrowding in residential areas.
As part of the campaign, field inspections in residential areas will begin in the first quarter of 2023. Any person violating the provisions and regulations of Law No. 8 of 2019 concerning the Regulation of Occupancy of Properties and Residential Units can be fined up to Dh1 million, DMT announced yesterday.
As per Law No. 8, a residential unit is deemed overcrowded when occupied in a manner that is out of proportion to its area and facilities provided.
By managing overcrowding in residential units in the Emirate, the awareness campaign will lessen the distortion of the city’s appearance, the lack of security and safety standards, and the general state of cleanliness within residences.
Awareness campaign
The awareness drive, launched in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, aims to protect community members and raise their awareness on the adverse effects of overcrowding, thus enhancing the overall standard of living in the emirate. It urges all citizens, real estate owners, and businesses to follow the law by limiting the number of people per residential unit and housing workers in residential areas designated for them, away from family homes.
Inspection campaigns by inspectors of the three municipalities in the emirate will begin in the first quarter of 2023. The implementation of the regulation is to be preceded by several mechanisms that include administrative penalties for violations. DMT is responsible for imposing fines and following up on compliance.
DMT is also offering a discounted settlement option wherein violators must pay 75 per cent of the total administrative fine specified for the violation if paid within a period not exceeding 60 days from the settlement option’s date. In addition, DMT has also established a grievance process where the violator can submit a grievance request through the TAMM platform within a week of the reported violation.
DMT highlighted the importance of creating and implementing legislation and laws that contribute to creating a safe community that is integral to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s quality of life.
Appeal to residents
DMT will ensure the implementation of the law regulating the occupancy of housing units in the emirate to maintain the general appearance, improve the quality of life, and achieve the well-being of residents. It will also ensure humanitarian situations are considered while enforcing the law.
DMT underlined the importance of residents’ civic duty and responsibility to report overcrowding. Owners, investors, and tenants must adhere to leasing stipulations or face the consequences of violations.
DMT is authorised to issue administrative and financial penalties as per the provisions and regulations of Law No. 8 of 2019 concerning the Regulation of Occupancy of Properties and Residential Units. Residents can contact the municipal entities by calling 800555 to report instances of overcrowding and other breaches of the occupancy law.
DMT has also established a grievance process where the violator can submit a grievance request through the TAMM platform within a week of the reported violation.