- Ejar is the official tenancy platform used to register and verify rental contracts.
- Residential rent payments are made digitally via approved channels (as stated in this guide).
- Leases over 3 months renew automatically unless a 60-day non-renewal notice is submitted.
- Landlords can request a rent change via Ejar at least 90 days before the contract ends; tenants can accept or reject.
- In Riyadh (urban boundary), eviction/non-renewal is limited to specific reasons like nonpayment, verified safety issues, or owner/first-degree family use.
- Riyadh rent levels are stated as frozen for 5 years from Sept 25, 2025 in this guide.
- Security deposits are stated as capped at 5% of total lease value; deductions need documented proof.
- If a landlord won’t register the contract, tenants can request registration on Ejar or file a complaint with REGA.
Saudi Arabia’s rental system has changed in a major way. Informal agreements are no longer accepted. Today, rental contracts follow a digital, regulated process that protects both tenants and landlords.
If you rent a home or commercial space in the Kingdom, knowing your rights in 2026 is essential.
How the Ejar System Changed Renting in Saudi Arabia
The backbone of Saudi Arabia’s rental framework is Ejar, the national digital system for lease registration. It is regulated by the Real Estate General Authority (REGA).
Every registered contract on Ejar:
- Confirms the identities of both parties
- Records rent value, duration, and payment method
- Creates a legally enforceable agreement
Since 2024, rent payments must be made digitally through approved channels such as Mada or SADAD. This protects tenants by creating payment records that courts can verify.
If your contract is not registered on Ejar, it has no legal standing.
👉 Related guide: Make your rent contract easier with Ejar
Rental Law Updates in 2026: What Tenants Must Know
New rules introduced in late 2025 reshaped rental stability, especially in major cities.
Automatic Contract Renewal
All residential and commercial leases longer than three months now renew automatically.
Renewal happens unless either party gives written notice 60 days before expiry.
Tenants may leave freely by giving notice. No reason is required.
Landlords face stricter limits, especially in Riyadh.
Eviction Rules Inside Riyadh
For properties within Riyadh, landlords may stop renewal only in specific cases:
- Rent is unpaid
- A safety issue is confirmed by a licensed technical report
- The property is needed for the landlord or a first-degree relative
Landlords cannot refuse renewal to raise rent or replace tenants.
Five-Year Rent Freeze in Riyadh
From September 25, 2025, rents inside Riyadh’s urban limits are frozen for five years.
For properties with a rental history:
- New rent cannot exceed the previous contract value
This policy stabilizes the housing market and protects residents.
👉 Related update: Riyadh rent freeze for five years
How Rent Increases Work Now
Rent changes must follow a formal process.
Landlords may submit a rent change request 90 days before contract expiry through Ejar.
Tenants can:
- Accept the new amount
- Reject it without penalty
If rejected, the contract ends at expiry. No forced increase is allowed.
This gives tenants control and removes surprise rent hikes.
Security Deposits: Rules You Can Rely On
Saudi law limits the security deposit to 5% of the total lease value.
Any amount above this counts as advance rent.
Deposits:
- Are paid through Ejar
- Are held neutrally
- Can only be deducted for proven damage or unpaid dues
The landlord must provide evidence. Normal wear and tear cannot be charged.
Tenant Rights Under Saudi Law
You are entitled to:
- Automatic renewal unless you opt out
- A safe, usable property
- Privacy and advance notice before entry
- Digital rent payment records
- A registered, enforceable contract
- Fair deposit refunds
- Protection from unlawful eviction
You are responsible for:
- Paying rent on time
- Keeping the property in good condition
- Avoiding subleasing without approval
- Using the unit only for approved purposes
- Giving 60 days’ notice if leaving
👉 Helpful reference: Rights of expatriates under Saudi labor law
If a Landlord Refuses to Register the Contract
Registration is the landlord’s duty.
If they refuse, tenants can:
- Request registration through Ejar
- File a complaint with REGA
Brokers who fail to register contracts face fines of up to SAR 2,000 per lease.
Unregistered contracts cannot be enforced in court.
How Rental Disputes Are Resolved
Saudi Arabia offers multiple legal paths:
- Direct discussion
- Evidence recorded in Ejar
- Mediation through REGA
- Saudi Real Estate Arbitration Center
- Enforcement courts for registered leases
Tenants may also report violations to the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing.
Final Takeaway
Saudi Arabia’s rental market is now structured, transparent, and rules-based.
For tenants, this means:
- Stable housing
- Predictable costs
- Clear legal protection
For landlords, compliance is no longer optional.
The safest approach is simple:
Register your lease, document everything, follow timelines, and use official systems.
Informal renting is over. In 2025, clarity protects everyone.
FAQ
A renewal clause explains how a rental contract continues after its original term ends. In Saudi Arabia, rental contracts longer than three months renew automatically by default unless either party gives notice on time. The clause also states the notice period, non-renewal rules, and how rent changes, if any, are handled during renewal.
Rental contracts are renewed through the Ejar platform. The landlord, tenant, or licensed broker can start the renewal process at least 60 days before the contract ends. Once the request is sent, the other party can approve or decline it. After approval, the renewal fee is paid and the contract continues without interruption.
You should begin the renewal process 60 days before the contract expiry date. This matches the required notice period and gives enough time to discuss any changes. Starting early helps avoid gaps in the contract and keeps the automatic renewal active.
Most tenancy contracts run for 12 months. With automatic renewal in place, the contract renews for the same period each time unless either party submits a non-renewal notice at least 60 days before expiry. This means yearly renewal happens without manual action if all conditions are met.
If the renewal fee is not paid on time, automatic renewal does not take place. The contract can still be renewed manually through Ejar by the tenant, landlord, or broker. Both parties are notified if automatic renewal fails.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about tenant rights in Saudi Arabia based on regulations current as of December 2025. This is not legal advice. For specific legal advice regarding your rental situation, consult with a qualified legal professional or contact the Real Estate General Authority (REGA).
I’m Soha Owais, a law graduate with an LLB (Hons), blending my legal background with a passion for storytelling. As an author and writer at Saudiscoop.com, I craft engaging narratives that connect with both local and international audiences, bringing a fresh and informed perspective to the stories that matter.
