Article 17 of the Saudi Off-Plan Real Estate Sales and Leasing Law
المادة 17 من نظام بيع وتأجير مشروعات عقارية على الخارطة
The article gives the buyer or lessee, or their representative, the right to see the accounting records concerning them and be given copies, as the Implementing Regulations specify.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يحق للمشتري، أو المستأجر، أو من ينوب عنهما؛ الاطلاع على السجلات المحاسبية الخاصة به، وتزويده بنسخ منها، وفقًا لما تحدده اللائحة.
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 17 explained in plain English
This article establishes a right of transparency for those dealing with off-plan sale and leasing projects.
Who holds the right:
- The buyer.
- The lessee.
- Whoever acts on behalf of either, such as an agent.
The content of the right:
- To see the accounting records concerning them.
- To obtain copies of them.
Note that the text limits the right to the accounting records concerning the buyer or lessee, so it does not give them the right to see all of the developer's or the project's accounts. The article also refers the procedures for exercising this right, such as the body to which the request is submitted and its period, to what the Implementing Regulations specify.
This article helps a buyer verify the amounts they paid and that they were recorded in their favor. It follows Article 16, which bars the developer and the landowner from disposing of the common part before the units are separated, and precedes Article 18, which allows the competent authority to request information and project progress reports from the certified accountant and the consulting office.
If the developer refuses to let the buyer exercise this right, the buyer can consult a lawyer who specializes in real estate cases to learn the steps available under the Law and the Regulations.
Practical example
Mohammed paid three installments to buy an apartment off-plan in Riyadh and wanted to make sure that all his payments were recorded. He, or his agent, is entitled to see the accounting records concerning him and obtain copies of them according to the procedures the Implementing Regulations specify.
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 17 of the Saudi Off-Plan Real Estate Sales and Leasing Law
Am I entitled to see my accounts with the developer?
Yes. The buyer or lessee, or whoever acts on their behalf, may see the accounting records concerning them and be given copies, as the Implementing Regulations specify.
Can an agent see the records on my behalf?
Yes. The right covers whoever acts on behalf of the buyer or lessee.
Is a buyer entitled to see all of the project's accounts?
The text provides the right to see the accounting records concerning the buyer or lessee themselves.
More articles on Rights of the Off-Plan Buyer
- Article 14
The article requires keeping 5% of the construction cost in the escrow account, or a bank guarantee of the same percentage, after the completion certificate; it is released only after a year or with latent-defects insurance.
يجب على المحاسب القانوني الاحتفاظ بنسبة (5%) من القيمة الإجمالية لتكلفة الإنشاءات في حساب الضمان، أو أن يقدم المطور للمحاسب القانوني ضمانًا بنكيًّا بالنسبة نفسه
- Article 16
The article bars the developer and the landowner from disposing of the common part of the licensed project before the units are separated; after separation, disposal follows the law on ownership of real estate units.
لا يحق للمطور ولا مالك الأرض التصرف في الجزء المشاع من المشروع العقاري المرخص له قبل فرز الوحدات العقارية. ويكون التصرف فيه بعد الفرز وفقًا لنظام ملكية الوحدات
- Article 20
The article requires the developer to finish the project on time and compensates the buyer for late delivery, and lets the competent authority deal with a stalled project and suspend it on violation.
1- يلتزم المطور بإنهاء المشروع العقاري في الموعد المحدد لإنجازه. وفي حال التأخر عن تسليم الأرض أو الوحدة العقارية دون سبب خارج عن إرادته؛ فيستحق المشتري تعويضاً
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.