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In a significant regulatory move, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has announced updated penalties for landlords who illegally subdivide buildings in violation of their original permits. As per the revised regulations, fines ranging between SAR5,000 and SAR25,000 will be imposed on violators. In addition, landlords will be obligated to remove the unauthorised modifications at their own expense.
The updated penalties are part of the ministry’s broader efforts to regulate the urban environment, ensure structural safety, and enforce municipal regulations and licensing requirements, a Saudi Gazette report said.
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In instances where reversing the violation is structurally impossible due to its potential impact on the safety of the building, the violator will be required to pay half the cost of the building. Furthermore, they must correct and remove any resulting damage and provide a safety certificate from a qualified engineering firm accredited by the ministry to confirm the structural integrity of the building.
Negative impact on urban infrastructure
The ministry has emphasised that the unauthorised subdivision of buildings into smaller units adversely affects the urban fabric of cities. This practice leads to a noticeable rise in population density, places additional pressure on basic services, and causes congestion in parking spaces surrounding these buildings.
Violators will be granted a 60-day grace period to correct their status after receiving official notice. All rectification work must align with approved regulatory procedures to ensure building safety is not compromised during the process. The ministry has urged violators to act swiftly to avoid further penalties.
The ministry clarified that the purpose of these updated regulations is to curb irregular development practices, protect residents, and enhance the quality and safety of urban living environments. It has called on landlords and investors to fully comply with the laws before executing any subdivision or modification work in their buildings.
