Ejar Disputes
Synonyms: Rental Disputes، Lease Disputes، Tenancy Disputes، Ejar Conflicts
Last updated: 2026-05-07
Short Definition
Service in Ejar to resolve disputes between landlord and tenant, through specialized judicial committee without need for general courts.
Overview
Legal Basis
The Ejar dispute resolution mechanism is based on the Enforcement Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/53) of 1433 AH, the Lease provisions in the Civil Transactions Law, and the Council of Ministers Resolution establishing the Judicial Committee for Rental Disputes. Ejar contracts are executory titles under Article (9) of the Enforcement Law, allowing direct enforcement without filing a traditional lawsuit in cases of late payment. It is also based on Ejar regulations specific to mediation and arbitration.
Practical Example
Khalid, owner of an apartment in Dammam, has his tenant Saad late in paying 6 months rent (total SAR 24,000) despite reminders. The rental contract is documented on Ejar. Khalid logs into Najiz, selects «Executory Title Enforcement Request», enters the contract number. Saad data and the due amount appear, and the request is confirmed via Nafath. Within 3 days, Najiz sends a notice to Saad to pay the amount within 5 days. Saad did not respond, so his bank accounts are automatically seized and he is banned from travel. Within 15 days of the request submission, Khalid receives the full amount plus enforcement expenses. Or in another case: a simple disagreement over the deposit amount is referred to Ejar mediation and is resolved within a week without litigation.
Common Mistakes
- ✗Attempting to file a dispute lawsuit for a rental contract not documented on Ejar — the owner does not benefit from the fast track and it is treated as a slow traditional real estate case.
- ✗Waiting too long before filing an enforcement request — each month of delay increases the due amount and complicates the legal position.
- ✗Ignoring mediation and arbitration on Ejar and going directly to litigation — many disputes are resolved amicably faster and with lower cost.
- ✗Overlooking documenting communication with the tenant before escalation — written notices and correspondence support the owner position in litigation.
- ✗Assuming all disputes are resolved in Ejar — some substantial disputes (like forgery) require referral to general courts.
International Differences
Rental dispute resolution mechanisms differ between countries. In the UAE, the Rental Disputes Settlement Center in Dubai provides a similar service via Ejari, and the Judicial Committee for Rental Disputes in Abu Dhabi. In Turkey, disputes are filed at peace courts (Sulh Hukuk Mahkemesi) and may take months. In Egypt, they are filed at rental courts with a complex and slow system. In the UK, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) adjudicates rental disputes in a simplified path. In the US, Housing Court or Small Claims Court depending on the state. The Saudi advantage in Ejar disputes lies in speed (3-8 weeks), full electronic integration, and direct enforcement mechanism without litigation for documented contracts.