Muscat Targets Overcrowded Housing, Bans Families and Bachelors in One Building

MUSCAT, Oct 12: Muscat Municipality has reiterated regulations prohibiting families and bachelors from living in the same building, while also banning workers’ and bachelors’ accommodation in residential and mixed residential-commercial areas.

The municipality said the restrictions are part of regulations governing building use across Muscat Governorate and are intended to protect residential neighbourhoods and maintain a safe, comfortable and orderly living environment.

In a statement, the municipality cited Local Order No. 23/92, which regulates building use in the governorate. Article 31(d) explicitly prohibits establishing buildings or residential complexes for workers or bachelors in residential and mixed residential-commercial areas. The same provision also prohibits accommodating families and bachelors in a single building.

The municipality stressed that landlords and property owners must verify the classification of their properties and ensure buildings are used only for their authorised purposes before allowing occupants to move in.

Businesses and employers are also required to provide suitable accommodation for workers in designated areas that meet health and safety standards.

The municipality warned that overcrowding, exceeding permitted occupancy limits or using buildings contrary to their approved classification could put pressure on roads, parking spaces and public facilities, in addition to compromising health and safety and disturbing residents in neighbouring areas.

It called on property owners, landlords and businesses to comply with the regulations, emphasising that protecting residential communities and maintaining quality of life require cooperation and shared responsibility.