Before submitting a sorting request, make sure the documents are complete and the building is ready. Most stalled sorting requests come down to a gap in one of the two: a deed that was not updated, a building that does not match its permit, meters that are not separate, or a plan that does not reflect reality. The problem is that these causes are often discovered after applying and paying fees, delaying the deeds by weeks or months. This guide sets out the required documents, the most common reasons requests stall and the fix for each, and a checklist before applying.
Official Documents and Requirements
- An electronic deed.
- A building permit.
- An electricity meter for each unit and a meter for the common parts.
And a plan of the property in AutoCAD format for the sorting service. Read: Apartment sorting requirements.
Common Reasons a Request Stalls
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| A deed that is not electronic or not updated | Update the deed |
| A building without a permit or violating its permit | Correct the status first |
| No separate electricity meters for the units or common parts | Modify the connections with the service provider |
| A plan that does not match reality | A survey and updated plan |
| Undocumented internal changes (merging or splitting apartments) | Modify building components through the regulatory route |
| The deed area differs from the ground | Resolve the difference before sorting |
| Common parts converted to private use | Restore them or resolve it through the regulatory route. Read: A unit's share of the common parts |
Checklist Before Applying
- The deed is electronic, updated and matches the ground.
- The permit is registered and the building matches it.
- A separate meter for each unit and one for the common parts.
- A recent survey of the as-built building.
- An AutoCAD plan reflecting the actual units and common parts.
- No unlicensed additions or floors.
Before Applying
Request a preliminary assessment of sorting eligibility. Read: Is your building eligible for sorting? and Design mistakes that prevent sorting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an old paper permit acceptable?
What matters is that the permit is registered and recognised; read: Converting a paper permit.
Is the common meter a requirement?
A meter for the common parts is among the requirements stated by REGA.
What if the building has an extra unlicensed floor?
It needs a status correction before sorting, or a study to resolve it through the regulatory route.
Can I reapply after the request stalls?
Yes, after resolving the cause; checking beforehand is better to save time.
How long does sorting take when the documents are complete?
Read: Unit sorting duration.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that checks your building's readiness for sorting before applying, resolves the causes of stalling from status correction to updating the plan, then prepares the sorting plan and submits the request. See our real estate sorting consultancy service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.