FAQs for Owners
Have Questions? Call Now!
A holiday home is a furnished residential property that is made available for short-term rentals. As defined by Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), a holiday home can be either a mainland villa or an apartment located within a free zone area. Unlike traditional hotels, a holiday home allows visitors to have a more immersive local experience. Families and groups can utilise the full amenities of the home rather than just a single hotel room. Vacationers gain more flexibility and independence to cook meals, do laundry, and generally settle into a space rather than just having a temporary lodging each night.
Securing a permit to legally operate a holiday home involves a bit of paperwork, but it’s important to ensure everything runs smoothly and guests have a positive experience. Individual owners need to submit a copy of their personal identification, whether it’s a passport showing their address or their Emirate ID if the property is in Dubai. This helps establish their credentials to tourists visiting the community. If the property is owned by a registered business, the application requires contact details and IDs for the company leaders, along with their business licence and formal articles outlining the company structure. Perhaps most importantly, documentation must prove the renters have the genuine right to use the unit. So, a deed showing ownership of the property or a formal tenancy agreement with the landlord is a must. No one wants issues with utilities! That’s why including a recent water, gas, or electricity bill in the applicant’s name reassures the authorities everything is above board behind closed doors. With all the right paperwork in order, permission is smoothly granted. That allows conscientious homeowners and their trusty property managers to properly welcome folks from near and far as honorary neighbourhood members for a little holiday heaven.
Unfortunately, it is not according to local guidelines. Hotels and hotel apartments have different classifications. Only units with residential classification are eligible to be licensed as holiday homes.
While tenants may see an opportunity to earn some extra income from tourists, landlords naturally want to protect their property investments, too. Thankfully, the authorities have provided a sensible solution. As long as open communication and proper paperwork are in place, there’s a path for renters to occasionally welcome visitors. Tenants need to sit down with their landlord to discuss terms all are comfortable with. With a signed amendment to the existing tenancy agreement showing approval for limited-time rentals, security is established for both sides.
A valid lease confirming the tenant’s legal right to occupy the home long-term also needs to be presented. This calms any fears about unstable short-term tenants.
Property visits necessitate scheduled appointments in advance.
No, it is advised to remove personal bed linen and towel sets, including duvets and pillows. The property utilises standardised sets provided by the management.
Management must facilitate Licensee access, provide guest entry, report complaints promptly to DTCM, and, if necessary, take corrective actions based on DTCM guidance.
While the property is managed as a holiday home, the following utilities are required: DEWA (electricity, water, sewerage), high-speed internet with cable channels, AC/chilled water supply, and gas (if the stove/oven runs on gas only).
The management at Hudu Homes settles the bills on a monthly basis with clear written instructions and relevant account details given by the owners.
The building management may view passport photos or identity at the time of check-in and only take a copy when checking in.
