A new system to make it easier for prospects to rent a house is to be introduced in November, it emerged today. The system aims to be easily accessible and beneficial to users, especially in the booming apartment rental market.
Speaking to news agencies, Mohammed Al-Zumai, spokesman for the Jeddah Housing Ministry said:
“The new system, entitled ‘Ijar’, will end traditional methods of leasing out houses. Searching for an apartment with the help of a broker or through the tenant’s personal effort will become a thing of the past.
“Through this system, the tenant can check apartment location, descriptions and rents online, then go to the broker’s office, who will proceed with the tenants and the apartment owner.
“We won’t restrict building owners by imposing rigorous requirements. What we want is to allow the tenant access to a database that reveals prices and then the tenant can decide where to go. If we notice an unreasonably high rent, we may take action.”
These measures will ensure that anyone looking for a property will not be limited by existing problems and will improve the local economy.
“We are now studying the involvement of 13 banks to be included in the Sadad system. These banks will follow a unified process determined by the Housing Ministry in order to ensure the rights of all parties. This will facilitate the payment process in monthly or quarterly installments. This system is applied in many countries worldwide and it has successfully put a stop to any payment problems.”
Building owners will not be forced to join the system but are encouraged to, considering the benefits and level of protect it gives to both tenants and landlords.
“We won’t force anyone to join our system, but joining the system will help all parties to ensure their rights,” he continued.