By Ayman Adly

 

Families and bachelors living in partitioned villas say they continue to face uncertainty over what lies in store for them, it is learnt.

Reports about the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning (MMUP) intensifying its campaign against illegally partitioned villas – as well as apartments – have added to their worries even as many prepare
to look for suitable options.

The practice of partitioning residences, particularly villas, is common in the country with houses being divided into smaller units to accommodate a number of occupants. Often, changes are made to the original plan of the villa in an unauthorised manner and by flouting building safety norms.

Taking note of such violations and the dangers involved, the authorities have warned people against making such illegal alterations and launched a crackdown on the practice of partitioning and sharing villas.

Many residents of such villas have already shifted to other places, while others are still looking for suitable options. And then there are those who have stayed back in villas and are yet to take a decision, hoping that a solution will emerge.

“Yes, there is a lot of uncertainty over what will happen,” said a resident. “I guess looking for a suitable option without further delay could well be the only option. Otherwise, it may be too late.”

Besides the uncertainty and anxiety, “exploitation” by real estate agents who manage such properties under sub-contracts is another major worry for some residents, it is understood.

“The agent who manages the place wants to increase the rent by more than 25%, claiming that he faces the risk of fines if the building comes to the notice of MMUP inspectors. I think it’s a baseless claim. The place is okay both outside and inside, where there are very few modifications. But we have to reach a settlement with him rather than vacate the place as we don’t have a choice,” said an Asian expatriate living in a villa.

A man who owns a number of villas said the practice of partitioning and sharing villas – without making authorised modifications – served the interests of both tenants and owners and was a practical and affordable arrangement.

“The MMUP’s campaign clearly targets unauthorised modifications in a building, such as adding a makeshift unit in the yard to accommodate more tenants or converting a hall into a studio apartment, among other practices. However, if the building is shared by more than one family and its original design is retained, then there should not be any problem,” he explained.

Earlier, a recommendation was made by the Central Municipal Council to allow villas to have three floors instead of the currently approved two and a penthouse. However, the recommendation was rejected by the MMUP as it would have put additional burden on the local infrastructure and services.

Meanwhile, executive bachelors who live in mostly family-inhabited residential areas are also facing uncertainty and confusion about their accommodation these days, it is learnt. Some of them are under the impression that they are supposed to live in workers’ accommodation according to the new regulations. What adds to their problem is that real estate agents are seeking to increase rents by exploiting their fears.

“Three of us, all of whom have bachelor status in the country and work in sales and accounting positions, are staying together. From time to time, the sub-contractor managing the villa comes to us and claims that we are not allowed to live here as tenants because it is a family area. However, he lets us stay every time after hiking the rent,” said a Syrian expatriate.

According to explanations given by officials concerned, such residents will not be affected as only housing units in family-inhabited areas where “single” workers live in large numbers are targeted.

 

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