Saudi Arabia Crackdown on Illegal Housing Alterations with Fines of up to SR200,000
RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has launched a countrywide campaign to stamp out illegal sub-division of housing units, threatening to penalize violators up to SR200,000.
In a statement released Tuesday, the ministry assured that unlicensed housing alterations, especially those done for investment without the required permits, are being monitored and penalized by local municipalities and secretariats. These include partitioning units into smaller spaces, installing internal doors, and modifying building exits through unauthorized setbacks.
Officials stressed that such activities not only violate municipal codes but also threaten public safety, overload infrastructure and services, and contaminate the social and economic fabric of urban spaces.
Supported by digital reporting platforms such as the “Balady” application, municipal task forces are carrying out field visits and responding quickly to violations reported. The effort is part of a comprehensive plan to enforce housing standards and compliance with building codes.
The ministry added that accountability would cover all concerned in these violations owners of the properties, tenants, advertisers, and investors. Subdivided units cannot be sold or rented out on digital platforms without a proper license.
The public is called on to report any violations via the “Balady” application or by calling the unified hotline (940) as authorities continue to work towards providing safe, regulated residential living spaces.
verified from sources:saudigazzete
