Renting a Home in Saudi Arabia: The Ejar Contract Guide

Whether you're a new arrival or a long-term resident moving to a new neighborhood, understanding how rental contracts work in Saudi Arabia is essential before you sign anything or hand over money. The Kingdom uses a national electronic system called Ejar (إيجار) that governs almost every residential and commercial lease. This سعودي ليفنج guide explains what Ejar is, who creates the contract, what fees to expect, and the rules protecting your deposit and rights as a tenant.

What Ejar Is and Why It Matters

Ejar is the mandatory national electronic network for all residential and commercial rental contracts in Saudi Arabia. It operates under the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing together with the Real Estate General Authority (REGA). The key point for tenants is simple but important: a lease that is not registered on Ejar is treated as legally non-existent and cannot be enforced in Saudi courts.

The standard Ejar contract is a unified, binding executive document. That means it can be enforced directly before the judicial and enforcement bodies of the Ministry of Justice without a lengthy court case first. For both landlord and tenant, a registered contract is your primary protection if a dispute arises.

Who Can Create the Contract

You cannot create an Ejar contract on your own. Both residential and commercial contracts must be documented through a licensed real estate brokerage office that is registered with Ejar. Landlords and tenants are not able to independently generate contracts on the platform.

In practice, the broker logs into the system, selects "Contracts," then "Register New Contract," chooses the contract type (residential or commercial), and enters all the details:

• Landlord, tenant, and broker information and addresses
• Property data
• Contract start and end dates
• Rent amount, security deposit, and payment method
• General terms setting out each party's obligations

You will then review and approve the contract. Always confirm every figure and date before you approve.

Logging In and Official Channels

Access to the platform is through the official Ejar portal (ejar.sa) or the official mobile app. Login is handled through نفاذ single sign-on: you are redirected from Ejar to نفاذ to authenticate using your National ID or Iqama. Notifications about contract approval and updates are sent by SMS and through your linked government accounts, so keep your registered mobile number up to date.

Fees You Should Expect

Fees are tied to the schedule shown in the Ejar system for your specific contract type, so always follow what the platform displays. As of 2026, documentation guidance highlights two common structures:

• A residential documentation fee of 125 ريال سعودي for the first year and 250 ريال سعودي for each additional year, paid by the landlord at documentation.
• An Ejar registration fee calculated as 2.5% of the annual rent, typically split roughly 1.25% tenant and 1.25% landlord, with the split adjustable by agreement.

Because more than one schedule exists, do not rely on a fixed number you heard elsewhere. Confirm the exact fee shown in the Ejar system for your contract, and clarify with your broker who is paying which portion before you sign.

Rent, Deposits, and Payment Rules

There is no national rent cap across Saudi Arabia. Rent is set by agreement between the landlord and tenant, so it is worth researching typical rates in your target neighborhood before you negotiate.

Your security deposit is protected. For residential leases, the deposit is capped at 5% of the total lease value. Any amount collected above that 5% is treated as advance rent and held in a regulated wallet rather than pocketed by the landlord. This structure is designed to prevent inflated deposits and to make refunds traceable.

Practical Tips Before You Sign

• Deal only with a licensed brokerage office registered with Ejar — this is the only legitimate route to a valid contract.
• Never pay significant sums before your contract is documented on Ejar and you have reviewed it.
• Check that names, Iqama/ID numbers, property details, dates, rent, and deposit all match reality.
• Keep your own copy of the approved contract and any payment records.
• For any current fee, deposit, or procedural detail, confirm directly on the official Ejar portal or app.

A properly registered Ejar contract turns your tenancy into an enforceable, transparent agreement — protecting your money, your home, and your peace of mind while you settle into life in the Kingdom.

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