Saudi municipalities crack down on unlicensed housing subdivisions
RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has affirmed that municipal authorities across Saudi Arabia are continuing efforts to detect and address violations related to the unauthorized subdivision of residential properties intended for investment.
The ministry emphasized its commitment to curbing irregular practices that bypass approved municipal permits, citing their negative impact on urban quality of life and neighborhood integrity.
In a statement issued Monday, the ministry identified key violations such as subdividing housing units into smaller spaces, adding internal doors, and modifying exits through building setbacks all without the required licenses.
These actions, it noted, pose risks to public safety, strain infrastructure and municipal services, and disrupt social and economic balance within communities.
Municipal teams, with ministry support, are conducting field inspections across regions, in addition to acting on reports submitted through the "Balady" digital platform.
The ministry operates an advanced monitoring system to detect violations and take appropriate legal action against offenders.
Authorities clarified that penalties extend to all parties involved in violations, including advertisers, property owners, investors, and tenants.
The ministry reiterated that altering housing units without official approval constitutes a clear violation, subject to fines of up to SR200,000.
The ministry stressed the need to adhere to established urban regulations and warned against listing or renting subdivided units through online platforms without formal licensing from regional municipalities. Such unregulated practices, it said, compromise residential quality and urban planning goals.
Residents and citizens are urged to report any related violations via the Balady app or by calling the unified number (940).
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