Article 687 of the Saudi Civil Transactions Law
المادة 687 من نظام المعاملات المدنية · الفرع الأول: حق الانتفاع
The article obliges the usufructuary to inform the owner in three cases, and makes him liable to compensate for the harm if he does not inform him within a reasonable period.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- يلتزم المنتفع بأن يُعلم المالك في الحالات الآتية:
أ- إذا استولى على الشيء المنتفع به شخصٌ أو ادعى الغير حقًّا عليه.
ب- إذا هلك الشيء أو تلف أو احتاج إلى إصلاحات جسيمة مما يجب على المالك أن يتحمل نفقاته.
ج- إذا احتاج إلى اتخاذ إجراء لدفع خطر خفيٍّ.
2- إذا لم يقم المنتفع بالإعلام الوارد في الفقرة (1) من هذه المادة خلال مدة معقولة فإنه يكون مسؤولًا عن التعويض عن الضرر.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 687 explained in plain English
This article places on the usufructuary a duty to inform the owner. The usufructuary must inform the owner in the following cases:
- Seizure or a claim: If a person has seized the thing subject to usufruct, or a third party claims a right over it.
- Loss, damage or the need for major repairs: If the thing is lost or damaged, or needs major repairs whose expenses the owner must bear.
- A hidden danger: If it is necessary to take a measure to ward off a hidden danger.
The consequence: If the usufructuary does not give this notice within a reasonable period, he is liable to compensate for the harm. The article does not specify a number of days, but uses the standard of a reasonable period.
The article is also related to Article 686, which obliges the usufructuary to compensate if the thing is lost or damaged after the usufruct period ends and he did not return it although he could. Article 688 then deals with consumable movables that come with the thing subject to usufruct.
Anyone facing a dispute over delay in giving notice can consult a lawyer who specializes in real estate matters.
Practical example
Hasan has a right of usufruct over a building in Taif and noticed growing cracks in one of the columns that need a major repair for which the owner is responsible. If Hasan neglected to inform the owner for an unreasonable period, and the damage worsened as a result, Hasan would be liable to compensate for the harm.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 687 of the Saudi Civil Transactions Law
When must the usufructuary notify the owner?
If a person has seized the thing or a third party claims a right over it, if the thing is lost or damaged or needs major repairs whose expenses the owner bears, or if a measure is needed to ward off a hidden danger.
What is the deadline for informing the owner?
The article requires that notice be given within a reasonable period, without specifying a number of days.
What follows if the usufructuary does not inform the owner?
The usufructuary is liable to compensate for the harm if he does not inform the owner within a reasonable period.
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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.