Saudi Gazette, 31 August 2026: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has approved new regulations governing shared housing for individuals, setting strict spatial, health, safety and technical requirements.
The rules prohibit construction of shared housing in designated restricted areas and require buildings to be located at least 300 metres away from schools and hospitals. Entrances must open onto roads at least 20 metres wide, ensuring privacy and preventing direct views of neighbouring properties.
Shared housing must be connected to main roads and public transport networks. Parking requirements include one space per 40 residents, bus parking capacity for 50% of residents, and designated spaces for people with disabilities near entrances and elevators.
Operating licensees have a grace period of one year, or until licence expiry, to rectify deficiencies and comply with standards. Buildings already permitted as shared housing or gated residential complexes are exempt from spatial planning rules, provided they meet health and safety standards.
The regulations classify shared housing into three categories:
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Category one: single or multi‑floor buildings up to 23 metres high containing residential units.
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Category two: groups of independent residential buildings (apartments or villas) within a walled compound with security gates and guards.
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Category three: mobile cabins used temporarily at project sites to house workers, licensed until project completion or for one year, renewable.
The ministry stressed that compliance with health, technical and safety standards is mandatory, and that the regulations aim to balance urban planning requirements with the need for safe, organised shared housing.
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