UAE: Crackdown on overcrowded houses launched, up to Dh200,000 fine for violations

Abu Dhabi - The municipality has, over the years, also fined firms for making their employees live in overcrowded and substandard accommodations.

Abu Dhabi City Municipality has launched an extensive inspection and awareness campaign to crack down on overcrowded housing units in areas of Shakhbout City.

The drive also educates people about the negative effects of overcrowded houses, including health and safety risks and straining public utilities.

The campaign, which will run until January 28, aims to find solutions to the phenomenon of overcrowded houses and to reduce the negative effects resulting from random housing that don’t conform to health and safety standards.

Inspections are also being carried out on the exterior of buildings to ensure they comply with the city's standards for aesthetic appearance.

“We urge tenants, owners of properties, investors and property managers, who are still making many people to stay in a small a room or an apartment, to correct their act before we take legal action,” they said.

According to the municipality, besides distorting the city’s appearance, overcrowded homes strain public utilities. They cause damage to parks and green spaces, and put pressure on electricity loads and waste transport companies.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com