Saudi Arabia Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners

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.

Key Saudi Arabia Rental Laws at a Glance

The Ejar System

The core of the Saudi leasing market is Ejar, which provides standardized, unified lease agreements. Use of digital payments via Ejar (Mada/Apple Pay) is standard. Evictions for non-payment are expedited through the Enforcement Court for Ejar-registered contracts.

Security Deposits

Under the Real Estate Brokerage Law, security deposits are generally capped at 5% of the total lease value. Ejar acts as a neutral custodian; funds are held digitally and released after inspection at the end of the tenancy.

Rent Control in Riyadh (2025-2030)

Riyadh has implemented a major rent control measure:

• Rent Freeze: A five-year freeze on annual rent increases starting September 2025.
• Vacant Units: If a unit becomes vacant, the landlord must offer it at the same price as the last Ejar-registered tenant.
• New Construction: First-time rentals may have starting prices set by mutual agreement.

Eviction Procedures

Self-help evictions are illegal. Landlords must use the Ejar system to apply to the Enforcement Court. For non-renewal at the end of a term, a 60-day notice is required; in Riyadh, landlords have limited grounds to refuse a renewal during the freeze period.

Maintenance and Habitability

Landlords are responsible for structural, major plumbing, and major electrical systems. Standardized Ejar contracts define minor repairs (bulbs, filters) as the tenant's responsibility.