Can I pay rent in cash or by direct bank transfer outside Ejar?

This answer was reviewed against official sources on 2026-10-05

Short answer

For new residential leases documented on Ejar since 15 January 2024, cash and direct bank transfers to the landlord are not accepted as proof of rent payment, because the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) recognises only payments made through Ejar’s digital channels. Those channels are Ejar’s payment page (mada card or Apple Pay) and SADAD using biller code 153. Commercial leases, and residential leases documented before that date, are not covered by this rule.

The rule since 15 January 2024

On 2 January 2024, REGA announced that rent payments would be restricted to Ejar’s digital channels from 15 January 2024, rolled out gradually, in implementation of Council of Ministers Resolution No. 131. The rule covers all new residential leases, and after that date no proof of rent paid outside those channels is recognised.

Ejar has clarified that a bank transfer is not one of its approved channels, so it counts as payment outside the platform. It also warned that paying outside the digital channels weakens the protection of both parties’ rights and invites disputes, because the payments are not documented.

What happens after paying through Ejar

The payment is settled automatically and Ejar issues the receipt itself, so no receipt voucher is needed. The money reaches the landlord’s bank account registered in the lease within 5 working days. Partial payments are possible if both parties agree.

Leases outside the rule

Commercial leases are not covered; Ejar says the rule currently applies to residential leases only. Residential leases documented before 15 January 2024 are not covered either. Ejar says a landlord or broker can record a cash payment on the platform with its amount and payment date and download a receipt; this does not work for new residential leases, where REGA began phasing out receipt vouchers.

Steps

Log in to your Ejar account and open “Finance”, then “View invoices”.
Select the contract number to see the recorded installments and their status.
Select the installment and press “Make a payment”, then pay the full amount due or enter the amount you want to pay.
Pay with a mada card or Apple Pay on the payment page, or choose SADAD to see the payment details and biller code 153.
To pay through SADAD in your bank app, choose the biller Ejar (153) and enter the contract number in the bill number field; this only works once the installment is due.
Track the payment status on Ejar; the money reaches the landlord’s account within 5 working days.

Follow-up questions

Does a transfer to the landlord’s IBAN registered in the lease count as paying through Ejar?

No. Ejar has said that a bank transfer is not one of its approved digital channels. Payments made through Ejar’s channels already go to the landlord’s bank account registered in the lease.

Do I need a receipt from the landlord after paying through Ejar?

No. The payment is settled automatically and Ejar issues the receipt itself; REGA began phasing out electronic receipt vouchers for new residential leases on 15 January 2024.

Can I pay part of an installment?

Yes. REGA says digital payment on Ejar allows partial payments when both parties agree.

Official sources

General information for guidance, not legal advice; the governing regulations and official bodies are the final reference.

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