Living in a residential complex? These are all the new rules to keep in mind.
The Kingdom has been rolling out fresh regulations every other week.
Following the guidelines for fine-dining restaurants in Saudi, a new set of laws has been released, this time hour group housing.
The Saudi group housing laws address factors like building size, location, noise levels, parking, and access to essential services to improve living conditions for large groups of residents.
So, if you or anyone you know is currently living in group housing, you may want to bookmark this article.
Here is everything to know about the latest regulatory announcement.
Saudi group housing laws 2025
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced new health, safety, and technical standards for group housing nationwide. The rules cover several factors and classify housing into three categories, residential buildings, residential complexes, and mobile cabins. These residential dwelling can accommodate between 500 and 10,000 people according to the Saudi Gazette.
Saudi group housing laws basic tenets
Residential buildings can house up to 500 people, with a cap of ten per room and at least four square meters per person. They must provide two kitchens, bathing and restroom facilities for every eight residents, plus rest areas, laundry rooms, drinking water, climate control, cleaning, and pest control. A Saudi national must oversee daily operations.
Saudi group housing laws accomodation capacity
Residential complexes can house up to 10,000 people, following the same space and occupancy limits as smaller buildings, but must also have two kitchens per floor, laundry rooms, prayer areas, emergency rooms for every 1,000 residents, and a clinic for every 5,000.
Mobile cabins, used mainly on project sites, follow the same occupancy rules and must include a central kitchen, laundry, prayer rooms, isolation areas, climate control, emergency rooms, and clinics. Built for heavy use and frequent transport, they require durable steel or aluminum frames, insulated walls, anti-slip floors, pitched roofs, and proper electrical, plumbing, insulation, and ventilation systems.
Saudi group housing laws planning, safety, and accessibility requirements
The new rules require strict licensing, including official approvals, permits, detailed plans, and health and safety documents. Facilities must have fire alarms, first-aid kits, regular upkeep, emergency access, and full accessibility for people with disabilities.
Only 40% of the land can be built on, and sites must include EV chargers, fuel stations, repair shops, commercial spaces, paths for walking and cycling, shaded parking, recreation areas, and modern lighting. Parking must allow one space per 100 residents, bus parking for half the population, and accessible spots for disabled users. Designs must follow urban codes, with safe stair rails, proper drainage, and waste systems, while banning features like boundary walls on commercial streets, fence-top barriers, and AC or satellite dishes on balconies.
More reforms in Saudi
Saudi residents rejoice, because the Kingdom has just released 15 articles detailing the terms and conditions for expats to buy property in Saudi Arabia. Visiting Saudi? Remember to get your tourist VAT refund before exiting. There are also new rules for expat employees to keep in mind. If you are running low on cash, you can experience a mini-payday with Saudi’s flexible salary initiative.
