Required Disclosures for Saudi Arabia Landlords
Understand the required disclosures, representations, and Ejar contract specifications that landlords must provide to tenants in Saudi Arabia.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Unlike some Western jurisdictions that require a dozen separate addendums for lead paint, mold, or historical data, the Saudi Arabian disclosure process is integrated into the principles of good faith and the standardized Ejar electronic contract. While Council of Ministers Resolution No. 265 (2013) mandates the use of the Ejar platform, the substantive legal obligation to disclose defects is governed by the Civil Transactions Law (Royal Decree No. M/191).
Transparency prevents disputes under the oversight of the Real Estate General Authority (REGA).
Good Faith and Material Defect Disclosure
Under Article 425 of the Saudi Civil Transactions Law (Royal Decree No. M/191) and principles of Islamic Sharia, commercial and private dealings must be conducted with absolute transparency and absence of "Gharar" (uncertainty/deception).
A landlord must disclose any known material defects that significantly affect the tenant's ability to use the property safely and peacefully. Article 425(1) states: "The lessor shall warrant against defects in the leased thing that prevent or adversely affect the use and enjoyment thereof."
Failure to disclose major defects (such as chronic foundational issues, failing plumbing, or lack of promised utilities) gives the tenant the legal right to demand termination of the lease or a reduction of the rent, without prejudice to their right to compensation (Articles 423 and 425).
The Ejar Contract Specifications
The Ejar platform requires specific disclosures to be formally recorded when generating the lease. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 292 (1438 AH) and the Real Estate Brokerage Law, all residential leases must be registered on the Ejar platform; unregistered leases are not recognized as valid or enforceable in Saudi courts. A landlord must accurately disclose:
- Property Details: Exact measurements, the number of rooms, the number of bathrooms, parking availability, and exact location.
- Title Deed Verification: The system automatically verifies that the landlord (or their broker) possesses the legal right to lease the property by linking with Ministry of Justice records.
- Utility Meter Numbers: The specific meter numbers for electricity and water must be disclosed and attached to the Ejar contract to ensure accurate billing transfer to the tenant.
- Usage Type: Whether the property is purely residential or has mixed zoning.
Ownership Transfers (Change of Landlord)
If a landlord decides to sell a property that has an active tenant, they must disclose the lease to the buyer. Additionally, they must notify the tenant of the sale.
In Saudi Arabia, under Article 590 of the Civil Transactions Law and Ejar regulations, an active residential lease survives the sale of the property. The new owner inherits the lease under the identical terms, including the rental rate and expiration date, and cannot prematurely force the tenant out merely because the property changed hands.
Brokerage Disclosures
If a property manager or real estate broker is handling the lease transaction on behalf of the landlord, the broker must:
- Disclose their commission fee openly before the contract is finalized. Under Article 14 of the Real Estate Brokerage Law (Royal Decree No. M/130), the commission is 2.5% of the first year's rent, unless the parties to the brokerage contract agree otherwise in writing.
- Confirm they are fully licensed by REGA (holding a valid FAL license number).
Move-In Inspection Checklist
While not a "disclosure" in the traditional sense, completing a comprehensive Check-In/Check-Out report on Ejar acts as the definitive disclosure of the property's initial state. Landlords should disclose and notate any pre-existing minor damages so the tenant is shielded from liability for them upon move-out.
Stay fully compliant by maintaining transparent communication and properly filling out all required fields in the Ejar platform. Landager's document management helps you store your property inspection photos and condition reports securely in the cloud.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What property disclosures are landlords required to make in Saudi Arabia?
Landlords in Saudi Arabia must disclose relevant information about the property to prospective tenants before the lease is signed. Required disclosures typically include known material defects, environmental hazards, previous damage history, and any conditions that could affect the tenant's use and enjoyment of the property.
▶What are the key landlord-tenant laws in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has significantly modernized its landlord-tenant laws through the Ejar platform and the Real Estate General Authority (REGA). All rental contracts must be registered on Ejar to be legally binding and enforceable. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the legal eviction process for landlords in Saudi Arabia?
The eviction process in Saudi Arabia requires landlords to follow formal legal procedures. Valid grounds typically include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or the landlord's personal use of the property. Landlords must provide proper written notice, allow any required cure periods, and may need to obtain a court or tribunal order. Self-help evictions are generally prohibited.
Read the complete guide▶What are the rent increase limits and caps in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. These rules may include caps on the percentage of increase, minimum notice periods, and restrictions on frequency. Landlords must comply with all applicable regulations when raising rent on existing tenancies.
Read the complete guide▶What are the security deposit rules and return deadlines in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has rules governing how much landlords can charge as a security deposit, how deposits must be held or protected, and the timeline for returning deposits after a tenancy ends. Landlords must provide itemized statements of any deductions and comply with all statutory deadlines to avoid penalties.
Read the complete guide▶What are the mandatory lease requirements in Saudi Arabia?
Lease agreements in Saudi Arabia must comply with applicable national and local laws. Required elements typically include the names of both parties, property description, rent amount and payment terms, deposit details, lease duration, and maintenance responsibility allocation. Written leases may be required for certain tenancy types or durations.
Read the complete guide▶What are the landlord maintenance and repair obligations in Saudi Arabia?
Landlords in Saudi Arabia are generally required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, keeping the structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and essential services in proper working order. The specific allocation of maintenance responsibilities between landlord and tenant should be clearly documented in the lease agreement.
Read the complete guide▶What are the late fee and penalty rules for rental properties in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has specific rules regarding late fees and penalties for overdue rent. These may include mandatory grace periods, caps on late fee amounts, and restrictions on interest charges. Late fee provisions should be clearly stated in the lease agreement and must comply with local regulations to be enforceable.
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