1 BHK for rent in Dubai (one-bedroom apartment with a hall and kitchen) has become harder to afford for many residents as rents surge following the city’s crackdown on illegal partitions.

Thousands of low-income tenants are being displaced as Dubai intensifies inspections in areas like Deira, Al Barsha, Satwa, and Al Rigga. Shared spaces once divided into multiple rooms using wooden or glass partitions are being removed. Many of these units were being rented for as low as Dh250 a month.
But now, former partition tenants are rushing to secure legal accommodation, especially a 1 BHK for rent in Dubai or a studio apartment for rent in Dubai. The sudden demand spike has pushed rents up in already tight neighborhoods.
According to property agents, studios and 1-bedroom apartments that once rented for Dh2,800–Dh3,200 are now going for over Dh3,800 in some parts of the city. Those searching for a studio apartment for rent in Dubai are also facing higher prices and limited options.
For landlords, the pressure is also real. Many are spending thousands of dirhams to undo illegal modifications and bring their buildings back to approved layouts. In some cases, they’ve had to completely evacuate tenants to comply with safety and civil defense regulations.
The municipality-led operation aims to prevent fire hazards and overcrowding, especially in older buildings with poor infrastructure. Officials have warned that such setups pose serious safety risks and legal consequences.
Beneath it all, families and bachelors looking for affordable options now find themselves in a tough spot. More people are now competing for 1 BHK for rent in Dubai. Finding a studio apartment for rent in Dubai has also become difficult. As a result, many tenants are relocating to the outer parts of the city or even to other emirates.