Bahrain approves new rules for shared accommodation

Summary:

Bahrain has approved major amendments to its Municipalities Law to enhance governance, regulate shared accommodation, and update municipal fees. Key changes include requiring property owners to notify municipalities before renting shared housing and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Shared accommodation is defined as housing for at least five unrelated individuals. Municipalities will maintain a database of such accommodations. The amendments also exempt certain vacant properties from fees and empower councils to propose regulations and address disputes. Additionally, municipalities will increase efforts to monitor public health risks. The changes take effect immediately.