During the summer season each year, a common trend emerges involving the temporary rental of apartments. This practice is observed primarily among expatriates residing with their families. These individuals often opt to sublet their apartments during their vacations, allowing single expatriates to bring their families for a temporary stay over the summer. This arrangement brings about a mutual advantage of cost reduction for both parties involved.
However, the suspension of all types of visit visas since August 2022 has significantly impacted this customary commercial practice. The demand for temporary apartments has dwindled due to the absence of customers, effectively rendering the commodity obsolete, reports Al-Rai daily.
Single expatriates are no longer able to host their families, compelling them to either spend the summer in their original residences or travel to spend the season with their parents.
Sources have highlighted that the phenomenon of temporarily renting apartments has been widely embraced by expatriates, particularly among small to medium-sized business owners. This strategy allowed them to waive their rental expenses during their absence while ensuring their right to return to their apartments upon their travel’s conclusion. However, the suspension of visit visas disrupted the typical plans associated with this practice.
To provide context, the trend of apartment rentals surfaces annually within the investment sector. Individuals often collaborate with others to rent out their apartments during their summer travels. This practice generally commences during the annual school break, typically in June, and concludes as the new academic year approaches in early September.
This trend is fueled by a reciprocal relationship between those offering their apartments and those seeking temporary accommodations. Expatriates looking to bring their families for short visits during the summer months find this option particularly appealing, as their work commitments often prevent extended vacations.
This arrangement predominantly benefits those with medium to lower incomes who find it financially challenging to establish a permanent household throughout the year due to high housing costs, school fees, and healthcare expenses. Consequently, they resort to the more affordable and practical solution of renting furnished apartments, allowing them to solely cover the apartment’s rental fee without the additional cost of furniture.
While many of these agreements were discreetly negotiated, a significant portion of apartment owners chose to turn a blind eye to ensure continuous occupancy within their buildings throughout the year, especially during the summer season. Moreover, the arrival of temporary residents typically does not disrupt the cooperative and communicative dynamics between the original tenant and other building occupants.
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