WhatsApp

$19,000 Fines for Landlords in Phnom Penh: 705 Foreigners Checked

The Ministry of Interior imposed 76 million riel in fines on four landlords for renting to undocumented foreigners. Expats in Siem Reap must verify their tenants' documents.

securite

Updated 2026-05-31 5 min

✨ Summarize this article with AI

ChatGPTPerplexityClaudeGeminiGrokCopilot

In short

  • ●Four landlords in Phnom Penh fined a total of 76 million riel (about $19,000) for renting to undocumented foreigners.
  • ●Inspections covered 81 properties and identified 705 foreigners, including 19 without valid documents.
  • ●The fine is 4 million riel per violation, under Article 20 of Sub-Decree No. 03.
  • ●Expat landlords in Siem Reap must ensure their foreign tenants have proper documents.
76 million KHR ($19,000)
Total fines amount
May 2026
Inspection date
Phnom Penh
Location
The Phnom Penh Post
Source

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Total fine: 76 million riel (about $19,000) imposed on four landlords.
  • Properties inspected: 81 rental properties in Phnom Penh.
  • Foreigners identified: 705 foreigners, including 19 without valid documents.
  • Legal basis: Article 20 of Sub-Decree No. 03, fine of 4 million riel per violation.
  • Required action: Landlords must check visas and documents of their foreign tenants.

How It Happened

Inspections were conducted by the Cambodian Ministry of Interior in May 2026. Here are the key steps:

  1. May 2026: Launch of inspections of 81 rental properties in Phnom Penh by authorities.
  2. Identification: 705 foreigners checked, 19 found without valid documents (expired visa or no passport).
  3. Finding: Four properties were in violation for renting to undocumented foreigners.
  4. Penalty: Landlords and managers fined 4 million riel per violation, totaling 76 million riel.
  5. Communication: The information was reported by The Phnom Penh Post on May 31, 2026, alerting the expat community.

Breakdown

Available data does not specify the breakdown by nationality or sector. However, here are the key segments of the operation:

SegmentNumberDetail
Properties inspected81Residences and rental buildings in Phnom Penh
Foreigners checked705Tenants and occupants verified
Undocumented foreigners19Expired visas or missing documents
Landlords penalized4Fine of 4 million KHR each (total 76 million KHR)
Unit fine4 million KHRPer violation, under Sub-Decree No. 03

What This Means for Siem Reap

  • Expat landlords in Siem Reap must now systematically check visas and passports of their foreign tenants before signing a lease.
  • Rental agencies and property managers are required to keep copies of identity and visa documents.
  • Expats renting a property to another foreigner risk a fine of 4 million riel (about $1,000) per undocumented tenant.
  • Authorities may extend these inspections to Siem Reap, especially in tourist and residential areas frequented by expats.
  • Foreign tenants must ensure their visa is valid and provide a copy to their landlord to avoid disputes.

How to Stay Out of Trouble

  1. Check documents: Before renting, request a copy of the passport and valid visa from each foreign tenant.
  2. Keep copies: Maintain a file with copies of identity and visa documents for each tenant.
  3. Track deadlines: Note visa expiration dates and remind tenants to renew on time.
  4. Stay informed: Regularly check updates to Sub-Decree No. 03 and immigration laws from the Ministry of Interior.
  5. Use a standard contract: Include a clause requiring tenants to provide valid documents and update them.
  6. Report doubts: If you suspect a tenant is undocumented, contact local authorities to avoid a fine.
  7. Stay updated: Follow official announcements and local media like The Phnom Penh Post for developments.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fine for renting to an undocumented foreigner?
The fine is 4 million riel (about $1,000) per violation, under Article 20 of Sub-Decree No. 03.
Do the inspections affect Siem Reap?
Currently, inspections have taken place in Phnom Penh. However, similar operations may be conducted in Siem Reap in the future.
What should I do if I am a landlord and my tenant has an expired visa?
Ask them to renew their visa immediately and keep a copy of the new visa. If the tenant refuses, contact the authorities.
Do the fines apply only to Cambodian landlords?
No, they apply to any landlord or manager, regardless of nationality, who rents to undocumented foreigners.
Where can I find the text of Sub-Decree No. 03?
You can check the official website of the Cambodian Ministry of Interior or consult a lawyer specializing in property law.

Free expat guide

Visa, housing, health — in your inbox.

🧭

Published by

Siem Reap Hub

The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia