Saudi Arabia: Property Eviction Within 5 Working Days of Notification
The new executive regulations for the Enforcement Law set a deadline of 5 working days for property eviction from the date of notification, with an exceptional extension of up to 60 days, coming into effect on October 29.
The new executive regulations for the Enforcement Law in Saudi Arabia have set a statutory deadline for property eviction of 5 working days from the date of notification or announcement, with the possibility of extension due to exceptional circumstances up to a maximum of 60 days, as reported by 'Amlak' newspaper.
Article 38 of the regulations, within the direct enforcement chapter, clarified that the property shall be handed over to the applicant for enforcement within the specified deadline, giving the competent department the authority to grant an extension when necessary, taking into account the nature of the property or the condition of its occupants.
The regulations mandated adherence to special guidelines when evicting residential properties to preserve family privacy and facilitate the departure of women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, without conflicting with the progress of procedures. They also stipulated notifying supervisory authorities as soon as the eviction date is set if the property is occupied by facilities involving third-party rights, and that the new owner replaces the enforcement applicant while the property occupant replaces the enforcement target upon ownership transfer.
The regulations were issued by a decision from the Minister of Justice, Dr. Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani, and published in the official gazette 'Umm Al-Qura', coming into force in conjunction with the law's effective date on October 29, 2026. It comprises 54 articles regulating provisions of alimony, custody, visitation, electronic registration of bonds and promissory notes, and grievance procedures, thereby enhancing the efficiency of rights fulfillment.
What do these terms mean?
Executive Regulations: Detailed rules issued by the competent authority explaining how to apply a law or regulation in practice.
Enforcement Applicant: The party holding an enforceable judgment or deed seeking to fulfill their right through the enforcement court.
Enforcement Target: The party obligated to execute, who is the debtor or property occupant required to hand it over.
Official Gazette: The newspaper where laws and regulations are published to become officially effective, known in Saudi Arabia as 'Umm Al-Qura'.
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