How do I check that an apartment has no building violations?

What is a building violation?

A building violation (مخالفة بناء) is a construction that differs from the permit the local authority approved: an extra floor, a closed balcony, a change to the structure, or a unit built outside its approved drawings. Violations can be recorded against the building, and the owner or buyer may face demands or penalties later. The question is not whether a flat has ever been touched, but whether its current state matches the approved file.

Which papers should I ask for?

Ask the developer or seller for the building permit (رخصة البناء) for the building, the approved architectural drawings for the unit, and the completion or occupancy papers if the building is finished. A seller who is confident in the unit will provide copies without difficulty. Compare the unit's floor, area and layout with the drawings. Any difference should be explained in writing before you pay anything.

How do I confirm the papers with the authority?

Papers handed to you by a seller are the starting point, not the end. Visit the local building office that covers the district, or the district office for that area, and ask in writing whether the building has an open violation file. Keep the reply. Do not rely on a verbal answer from a sales agent. If you buy inside a compound, ask the developer which local authority issued the permit, because the file is held there and not in the sales office.

Does a compound unit need extra checks?

Yes, in one respect. Compound units are built by the developer in phases, and a phase may have its own permit. Confirm that the phase your unit belongs to is covered by a permit, and that the unit's code and floor appear on the approved drawings. A unit in a phase still under construction should be checked again at handover, against the same drawings.

What if I find a violation after signing?

Ask for it to be removed or corrected before you accept the unit, and record that in writing. If the developer or seller will not confirm it, do not finalise the contract until you have legal advice. A violation that is discovered later can complicate registration and resale, so the cheapest time to resolve it is before you pay the balance.

Do I need a lawyer?

For a purchase of any size, a lawyer who reads the permit, the drawings and the contract together is a worthwhile cost. The lawyer's review does not replace the written confirmation from the authority, but it helps you understand what each paper proves and what it does not.

General guidance — check with the official authority before you act.