Illegal accommodation carries fines of up to Dh200,000

ADM cracks down on congested occupancy in Baniyas

ABU DHABI 23 July 2017: The Abu Dhabi City Municipality (ADM), has carried out a wide-scale campaign on illegal accommodations and congested occupancy in Baniyas neighbourhood.

The campaign resulted in serving more than 40 offences; 30 of them in Baniyas East 9, and the other 10 offences in Baniyas East 10.

The campaign is part of the municipality’s efforts to control and eradicate illegal forms of accommodation as the phenomenon constitutes a huge burden and real risk to all community members.

The congested accommodation draws an offence and will be referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal actions, the ADM said.

In compliance with Law No (1) for 2011 governing the occupancy of residential units in Abu Dhabi Emirate, the municipality is taking several procedures to spot and report offenders. Municipal inspectors carry out field visits to residential buildings and educate building owners and guards about the negative impacts of congested accommodations.

The municipality calls on all residents of Abu Dhabi city to comply with the applicable laws and regulations for their health and safety. They are also encouraged to cooperate with the municipal bodies in their efforts to combat the illegal accommodation and implement the highest standards of health and security. Such compliance will also protect them from involvement in fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh100,000.

Recurrent offenders will be slapped with fines no less than Dh100,000 and not more than Dh200,000. In both cases, the court may rule to remove the offence and evict violating occupants at the expense of the offender.

By Angel Chan