Property Inspection
Synonyms: Property Survey، Condition Report، Inspection Report
Last updated: 2026-05-06
Short Definition
Examining property in presence of both parties at start and end of contract to document its condition, protecting both from damage disputes later.
Overview
Legal Basis
Inspection is based on the Civil Transactions Law preserving lessee's quiet enjoyment right and restricting lessor's entry without consent. The Ejar Platform Regulation also specifies inspection rights for both parties. For large or commercial properties, the Building Safety Law may require periodic inspections by approved entities.
Practical Example
A company leases a commercial office in Jeddah for 5 years. Its contract requires semi-annual inspection by a certified engineer at lessee's expense. First inspection after 6 months: the engineer arrives by appointment, inspects: central AC, automatic fire system, electricity, glass doors, plumbing. Discovers a defect in the central fire extinguisher (lessor's responsibility). Drafts a signed report, sends to both parties. The lessor is obligated to repair within 30 days (safety). The inspection report is uploaded as a contract annex in Ejar. Result: property maintained in good condition, parties know their responsibilities precisely, disputes are nearly nonexistent because everything is documented.
Common Mistakes
- ✗Lessor entering property during contract term without prior consent — trespass on quiet enjoyment, obligating compensation.
- ✗Conducting a superficial handover inspection (5-10 minutes) — doesn't reveal defects that may appear later and be unjustly attributed to the lessee.
- ✗Settling for visual inspection without operating appliances (AC, heater, oven) — you may later discover they're broken when the claim window has passed.
- ✗Failing to check meters at handover — may bear readings prior to your receipt.
- ✗Inspection without photographing and documentation — even the best inspection becomes legally worthless if undocumented.
International Differences
In the UAE, periodic inspection is common for commercial properties mandated by municipalities. In the UK, handover inspection is conducted by a neutral 'Inventory Clerk'. In Turkey, inspection is less regulated and depends on the parties. The Saudi advantage: flexibility in conducting inspection with possibility of digital documentation in Ejar, easily serving future disputes.