Renting in Saudi Arabia: How the Ejar Contract Works

Finding a place to live is one of the first big steps for anyone moving to or settling in Saudi Arabia. But signing a rental agreement here isn't just about handshakes and paper — the Kingdom now relies on an official digital platform called Ejar to document rental contracts. If your contract isn't registered on Ejar, it may not carry the legal weight you'd expect if a dispute ever arises. In this Saudi Living guide, we walk you through how renting works, what the Ejar contract includes, what it costs, and how renewals are handled.

What is Ejar and why it matters

Ejar is Saudi Arabia's official platform for documenting rental contracts. In simple terms, a rental agreement registered on Ejar is the legally recognized contract. Current practice requires using Ejar rather than paper-only documentation to make a residential lease enforceable. This protects both tenants and landlords: if there's ever a disagreement over rent, deposits, or the end of a tenancy, the documented Ejar contract is the reference point.

For tenants, this is genuinely good news. A registered contract is often needed for practical everyday matters — such as connecting certain services or completing official procedures — so it's worth insisting that your lease goes through Ejar from day one.

What the Ejar contract includes

The standard rental contract on Ejar captures the key terms of your tenancy in a clear, structured format. Before you sign, make sure these details are accurate:

• Contract start and end dates — the exact tenancy period.
• Rent amount — the agreed rent for the period.
• Security deposit amount — how much you're paying upfront as a deposit.
• Payment method — how and when rent is paid.

Review every field carefully. Since the Ejar contract is the legally recognized document, any figure or date recorded there is what counts — not a verbal side agreement.

How much does Ejar cost?

Ejar charges a documentation fee that differs depending on whether the property is residential or commercial:

• Residential registration: SAR 125 for the first year.
• Residential renewal: SAR 125
• Commercial registration: SAR 200 for the first year.
• Commercial renewal: SAR 400

As always, confirm the latest amounts through the official Ejar channels before you sign, since fees can be updated over time.

Who pays the Ejar fee?

By default, the landlord pays the Ejar documentation fee. However, this can be shifted to the tenant if both parties agree and include that in the contract terms. It's a small but important detail to clarify during negotiations — decide clearly who is covering the fee before the contract is finalized, so there are no surprises later.

Renewing your contract

The renewal workflow is handled entirely inside Ejar, including automatic renewal when it applies. Renewal actions are tied to the 60-day window before your contract expires, so this is the period to pay attention to.

• Watch the calendar as you approach the last two months of your lease.
• If your contract is set to renew automatically, be aware of this so you can act in time if you plan to move or renegotiate.
• Keep the renewal fee in mind — SAR 125 SAR 400

Planning ahead within that 60-day window gives you room to renew smoothly, negotiate new terms, or arrange your move without last-minute pressure.

Practical tips for a smooth rental

• Insist that your lease is documented on Ejar — don't settle for paper-only agreements.
• Double-check the rent, deposit, dates, and payment method before signing.
• Clarify in writing who pays the Ejar fee.
• Keep a copy of your documented contract for official procedures.
• Track the 60-day pre-expiry window to manage renewal or moving out.

If you need help, the official Ejar help center can be reached at 199011 or by email at info@ejar.sa. When in doubt about any fee, deadline, or step, confirm the current details through the official Ejar platform so your tenancy stays fully protected.

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