Renting in Saudi Arabia: How the Ejar Contract Works

Finding and renting a home is one of the first big steps for anyone settling in the Kingdom. The good news is that Saudi Arabia has moved rental agreements onto a single, transparent government platform called Ejar, which protects both tenants and landlords. This Saudi Living guide walks you through how the Ejar system works, what documents you need, how deposits and rent rules are handled, and the protections you enjoy as a tenant.

Every lease must be registered in Ejar

Under the rules of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, all residential leases must be registered in the Ejar system (available through the online portal and app at ejar.sa). A verbal agreement or an informal paper contract is not enough. Registration turns your lease into an official, enforceable document, which matters if a dispute ever arises.

Who creates the contract and how you approve it

The landlord or their licensed real-estate agent creates the contract inside Ejar and enters your details, including your Iqama number and mobile number. You will then receive an SMS or online notification asking you to review the contract and electronically approve it. Once both parties approve, the lease becomes an executive (enforceable) document.

• Always read the full contract before approving it in Ejar.
• Check the rent amount, payment schedule, lease term, and notice period.
• Never approve a contract that lists details you did not agree to.

Documents you need as a tenant

To register a lease in Ejar, you typically need:

• A valid Iqama (residence permit).
• A passport copy and often an employment letter or salary certificate, which many landlords request before creating the contract.
• An active Saudi mobile number to receive Ejar verification codes.

Lease term, payments, and deposits

The standard lease term is one year, renewable. Multi-year contracts exist but are less common. Rent is usually paid yearly or split into two to four installments; post-dated cheques are still used but are becoming less common as platform-based payments grow. The notice period for non-renewal is commonly 60 to 90 days before the lease ends, and it is written into the Ejar contract.

On the security deposit, the rules are clear and tenant-friendly:

• The residential security deposit is capped at 5% of the total lease value.
• Any amount collected above 5% is legally treated as advance rent and must be held in a regulated wallet.
• The landlord bears the burden of proof for any deductions, and undisputed deposits must be returned at the end of the lease.

Rent increases and the Riyadh rent freeze

At the national level there is no general rent cap, so rent can be freely set for new contracts outside special zones. However, within the urban area of Riyadh, a five-year rent freeze began on 25 September 2025 and runs until September 2030.

• Landlords cannot increase rent on existing or new contracts inside Riyadh's urban boundary during this period.
• The only narrow exceptions involve major permitted renovation with regulatory approval.
• The freeze covers both residential and commercial properties.

Everywhere in the Kingdom, a landlord cannot raise rent during an active contract term — any increase can only be discussed at renewal, and only where the law allows it.

Your protection against eviction

Because an Ejar-registered lease is directly enforceable through the Enforcement Court, both sides are protected. If a tenant fails to pay or violates the terms, the landlord files a case using the Ejar contract rather than taking matters into their own hands.

• Self-help eviction is prohibited: a landlord cannot lock you out or remove you without a court order.
• Illegal eviction can lead to fines of up to 12 months' rent.
• A landlord cannot evict you without following due legal process.

Practical tips before you sign

• Confirm the property is registered to the landlord and that the person signing has the right to lease it.
• Photograph the property's condition when you move in, so the deposit return is straightforward.
• Keep a copy of your approved Ejar contract and all payment receipts.
• For any fee, exact figure, or the latest regulations, confirm through the official Ejar portal (ejar.sa) or the relevant Ministry.

Renting in the Kingdom is far more transparent than it once was. By insisting on an Ejar-registered contract and understanding your rights around deposits, rent increases, and eviction, you can settle into your new home with confidence.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving