Thursday, July 24, 2025
Saudi Arabia's Crackdown on Illegal Housing Splits: Offenders Face Fines Up to SR200,000
Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Ministry officials expressed their support for ongoing initiatives by local secretariats and municipalities to crack down on illegal home property segments for investment reasons. Serious violations could result in fines of up to SR200,000. Trending: New e-services introduced on Absher platform
In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry brought attention to important violations, such as the unauthorized subdividing of housing units into smaller portions, the creation of internal doors, and the modification of exits through construction setbacks.
It claimed that these measures endanger the public, put a burden on city services and infrastructure, and upset the social and economic stability of cities.
To efficiently identify and resolve infractions, local authorities are stepping up on-ground inspections with the help of the ministry and using reports made through the "Balady" app as part of an integrated monitoring system.
Current municipal legislation holds all parties involved—property advertisements, owners, investors, and tenants—accountable, according to the ministry. The fines for clearly violating the law by making unauthorized changes to a home might reach SR200,000.
It further highlighted the negative impact on residential quality standards of advertising or renting out subdivided apartments on internet platforms without proper permits from local authorities.
The government has asked anyone who sees a violation to contact the unified helpline 940 or use the "Balady" app. Most Viewed: Driverless revolution begins: Riyadh hosts Saudi Arabia's first autonomous vehicle trial
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| Saudi Arabia's Crackdown on Illegal Housing Splits: Offenders Face Fines Up to SR200,000 |
