Article 21 of the Saudi State Leasing of Real Estate Law
المادة 21 من نظام استئجار الدولة للعقار
A government agency may carry out works or finishing in the leased property during the lease after agreeing on them in writing with the lessor, under the regulations' rules.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
دون إخلال بالأنظمة ذات العلاقة، يجوز للجهة الحكومية تنفيذ أعمال أو تشطيبات في العقار المستأجر خلال مدة الاستئجار بعد الاتفاق عليها مع المؤجر كتابيًّا، وذلك وفقاً للضوابط التي تحددها 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 21 explained in plain English
This article answers the question: may a government agency carry out works in the property it has leased?
The answer: yes, with conditions:
- It must be during the lease period.
- It must be after agreeing on them with the lessor.
- The agreement must be in writing.
- It must be under the rules set by the regulations.
The article begins with the phrase "without prejudice to the relevant laws", meaning that the works remain subject to other laws, such as building and licensing laws.
The writing requirement protects both parties: the lessor knows exactly what he agreed to, and the agency has proof of the approval. The article does not allow the agency to carry out works by its sole will.
Article 20 deals with government agencies leasing property outside the Kingdom under rules issued by the Board.
Article 22 regulates maintenance obligations and the repair of construction defects between the lessor and the agency.
If you have a practical question about leasing a property to a government agency, it is best to consult a lawyer who specializes in real estate or administrative cases.
Practical example
A government agency leasing a building in Tabuk wants to divide one of the halls into small offices. Before carrying this out, it must agree with the owner in writing on these works, and comply with the rules set by the regulations and the relevant laws.
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 21 of the Saudi State Leasing of Real Estate Law
May a government agency carry out finishing works in the leased building?
Yes, during the lease period after agreeing on them with the lessor in writing, and under the rules of the regulations and without prejudice to the relevant laws.
Is the owner's oral approval enough?
No. The article requires the agreement with the lessor to be in writing.
More articles on Property Maintenance and Lessor Obligations
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.