Landlords in Saudi Arabia who subdivide buildings into units in violation of building permits will face fines ranging from SAR5,000 to SAR25,000, according to updated regulations approved by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.
The ministry stated that violators will also be required to remove the violation at their own expense. In cases where removing the violation is structurally impossible due to its impact on the building’s safety, the violator will be fined half the cost of the building and must correct and remove the damage.
A certificate from a qualified engineering firm accredited by the ministry will also be required to confirm the safety of the structure.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry issues 60-day grace period to correct illegal building violations
According to the a report by the Saudi Gazette, which cited the ministry, “The practice of subdividing buildings into units illegally impacts negatively the urban fabric of cities, causing an increase in population density and directly affecting basic services and parking spaces on the streets surrounding these buildings.”
The ministry added that violators will be granted a 60-day grace period to rectify their status after being notified of the violation.
Rectification must be carried out in line with approved regulatory procedures to ensure that violations are addressed without compromising the safety of buildings or their residents.
The ministry stated that updating the regulations aims to “curb irregular practices that result in the subdivision of buildings or residential apartments without obtaining the required licences.” It said the move will help improve the urban environment, reduce harm to residents, and ensure compliance with quality and structural safety standards.
The ministry urged landlords and investors to comply with regulations before carrying out any subdivision or modification work in their buildings.
