Job Discussion Forums

[BajaLaJaula]

There may not be any standard when it comes to a housing allowance,
but in case there is....When an employer offers a housing allowance, is it a set amount per month and you have the discretion to use as much as needed and pocket the rest?
Some employers seem to be offering the option of paid furnished housing or an allowance. Is this a tactic to get you hooked? Then when you arrive, you find out the latter is not an option? Some of the housing allowances posted are quite generous. A nice 2-bdrm flat can be had at 700 USD or less. Do you get the keep the rest?

[Deeman15]

Yes, it is as you said. You either take their housing or you receive a set amount per month, which you use at your discretion. Although I don't know if it is the same situation for men and women.

[CANDLES]

It's a standard practice that if you want 'housing allowance', then it's something like 25% of the salary. For MEN only!

But please bear in mind that if you are a FEMALE, they will not give this allowance, because as they say 'safety issues', women have to live either in compounds or single apartments with other women.

It's a bit of a sham! Mind you some women do live by themselves, but that's unusual.

[scot47]

When I worked for the Min of Ed we got our housing allowance at the beginning of the school year - in one lump sum

[nomad soul]

[CANDLES]

At PNU some of the teachers who are direct hire have great apartments, but they share. Bedroom with en suite per person, plus living area each; only thing they share is a kitchen, I've heard.

As for the rest the employers haven't given the money or salaries to them yet....to set up homes, so it's not all rosy I'm afraid.

[nomad soul]

PNU seems to be an exception. That's not the case for those unis that don't rely on contracting companies for most of their staffing needs, if at all.

Anyway, in regard to the OP's questions, it really depends on who the employer is and the terms and conditions per the contract.

[currentaffairs]

Yes, about 25% of salary seems to be the norm for housing allowance.

Personally, I prefer a company/university to put me in provided accommodation from the beginning with the option of taking your housing allowance if you choose to live out later.

This year I am getting my allowance but have to find my own accommodation and Riyadh is not so cheap..

[plumpy nut]

Hotel Apartment prices are going up and will now require all of your allowance or more. Al Makkan a typical hotel in central Riyadh that teachers use is now charging 3500 Riyals a month, 4000 for rooms for couples.

[sicklyman]

[johnslat]

Dear sicklyman,

Am I confused because I'm misreading your posts.

"Just for the record, Aramco contractors pay 65% of base salary as standard for housing allowance."


Regarding Aramco (on another thread):

"Alternatively I think they give you three months' salary as effective housing allowance . . . "

Math is not my strong point, but I don't see how 3 month's salary would equal 65% of one's base salary.

Regards,
John

[sicklyman]

You've let me down John. You're usually so meticulous. You are indeed not only misreading my posts but your own. You've actually written the explanation in your own post above!

[johnslat]

Dear sickleyman,

Well, I DID say math isn't my strong point. And I'm STILL at a loss. So, would you be so kind as to point out to me how three month's salary would equal 65% of one's base salary?

Thanks,
John

[scot47]

In government posts the standard used to be two months salary annually as housing allowance. That was in the bad old days when to get an exit visa for the vacation you needed a guarantor or you deposited two months salary in cash. Who said that there is no progress ?

[sicklyman]