Residential Units Division - Contact Riyadh Region MunicipalityIn coordination with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, the Ministry is intensifying its efforts to combat the phenomenon of dividing villas and residential buildings into multiple rental units without obtaining proper licenses. This phenomenon is increasingly burdening infrastructure and public services and negatively impacting the quality of life within residential neighborhoods.
Field inspection campaigns to control the division of residential units and implement penalties.
As part of its oversight plan, the Secretariat conducted an extensive field campaign, including 134 inspection tours across 15 sub-municipalities. The campaign targeted villas and upper annexes that had been converted into rental units without a license or compliance with regulatory requirements.
The tours resulted in the issuance of violation notices to all sites that apply residential unit zoning and that were visited.
These moves come within the framework of the Secretariat's commitment Riyadh Province By achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which focuses on promoting sustainable urban development, improving the urban landscape, and ensuring the quality of life for residents.
An integrated control system to monitor violations
The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing confirmed that municipalities and secretariats are continuing their efforts to monitor and address these violations, through conducting periodic inspection tours and following up on reports and complaints received through the Baladi app.
These operations are managed within an advanced oversight system that enables relevant authorities to monitor violations and take legal action against violators promptly and effectively.
The most prominent violations that were monitored
The ministry explained that the most prominent violations include re-dividing residential units into smaller sections, opening internal doors, and modifying exits through building setbacks without a permit.
The Ministry asserts that these amendments pose a threat to public safety, negatively impact infrastructure, disrupt the distribution of municipal services within neighborhoods, and impact the social and economic balance within cities.
She also noted that fines could reach up to 200 riyals if a property is subdivided without a proper license.
Engineering warnings of the effects of random division
In a television interview, real estate expert Matar Al-Shammari warned of the serious engineering risks resulting from the irregular division of residential buildings. He explained that such practices could weaken the structural framework, particularly load-bearing columns, increasing the likelihood of collapses or loss of structural integrity.
He pointed out that buildings are designed according to precise engineering plans, and any random modifications without engineering supervision could result in damage that would be difficult to repair later.
Al-Shammari also warned that these violations cause confusion in building management, negatively impact residents' comfort, and hinder the work of homeowners' associations in regulating the relationship between residents and service management.
Campaign objective: A safe and balanced residential environment
The monitoring campaign aims to achieve a safer and more organized residential environment and ensure fair and sustainable housing use, while maintaining social balance within neighborhoods. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing also emphasizes the need for citizens and residents to engage with the monitoring efforts by reporting any violations through official channels. This contributes to protecting the urban fabric and ensuring community safety.
