Structural check for partitions in shared housing
A structural check for partitions confirms that new or existing partition walls in a shared apartment, villa or building are safe before the layout goes to Civil Defence and Dubai Municipality.
What we do
Partitions add load and change how rooms are used. Our engineers check the partition type and weight, how it is fixed to the slab and walls, and any openings or changes, then confirm the layout or recommend changes before we submit for DCD approval and the DM permit.
Official sources: Dubai Municipality · Dubai Civil Defence · Khaleej Times report on the DM circular
Structural check for partitions: what is included
- Partition type: block, gypsum or other systems, and their weight
- Fixing: how partitions are fixed to slabs, walls and ceilings
- Openings: new doors or removed walls
- Existing partitions: checked if already built without approval
- Fire rating: coordinated with the DCD fire safety drawings
- Report: our findings and any changes needed
What to send us
- Title deed (owner), or tenancy contract with owner NOC (tenant)
- Emirates ID or passport
- Affection plan or site plan
- Existing drawings, if available; we can survey
- Photos of the rooms and facilities
- Trade licence, if a company owns or operates the property
Who does what
From check to permit
The order of the DCD and DM steps can vary; we confirm it for your property.
| Step | Approval route | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Check the area and category You and us | Confirm the property is in an allowed area, and choose individual or family housing. | Allowed areas |
| Owner NOC (tenants) Owner | A tenant applies with a NOC from the owner. The owner NOC is enough; no other NOC is needed. | Tenants |
| Survey and layout drawings Structural Solutions | Rooms of at least 5 m² per person, plus kitchen, bathroom, dining, recreation and laundry. | Layout drawings |
| Structural check Structural Solutions | Partitions and any added loads are checked by our engineers. | — |
| Civil Defence (DCD) Structural Solutions → DCD | Fire and life safety approval for the shared accommodation. | DCD approval |
| Shared accommodation permit Structural Solutions → Dubai Municipality | The permit to operate the property as shared accommodation. | The permit |
How it works
How it works
1. Check
Area, category and occupancy for your property.
2. Drawings
Survey and layout drawings to the DM rules.
3. Approvals
DCD approval and the DM shared accommodation permit.
4. Operate
Rent the property as permitted shared accommodation.
Questions
Questions about structural check for partitions
Do partitions in shared housing need a structural check?
Yes, any new or existing partitions should be checked before the layout is submitted for DCD approval and the DM permit.
My flat already has partitions. What now?
We survey and check them. If they meet the rules they can be shown on the approved layout; if not, we recommend changes.
Can partitions create rooms smaller than 5 m² per person?
No. Every bedroom must give at least 5 m² per person under the DM rules.
Do you also prepare the fire safety drawings?
Yes, the structural check and the DCD fire safety drawings are prepared by our team together.
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