Tenant Rights in Saudi Arabia: Complete Legal Guide 2026

Quick answer

Saudi rules give tenants core rights, above all rent stability: a landlord cannot raise rent mid-lease, only at renewal with prior notice. Tenants are also entitled to a habitable unit, landlord-paid structural repairs, privacy from entry without permission except in emergencies, and a full deposit refund minus documented damage. Disputes go first to the Taradhi reconciliation platform, then to the General Court through Najiz.

Legal Framework for Tenant Protection in Saudi Arabia

Leases in Saudi Arabia are governed by the lease provisions of the Civil Transactions Law (Royal Decree M/191, 1444H), together with the rules of the Ejar platform supervised by the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) and the unified lease documented on it. Knowing these rights prevents exploitation.

Key Tenant Rights

Rent Stability: Landlord cannot raise rent during an active contract; a rent-adjustment request at renewal must be filed through Ejar at least 90 days before the lease ends, and in Riyadh annual increases are frozen for five years from 25 September 2025
Habitable Unit: Landlord must deliver unit in good condition; structural repairs are landlord responsibility
Privacy: Landlord cannot enter without prior permission except in emergencies
Full Deposit Return: Tenant entitled to full refund when returning unit in original condition
Renewal Rights: A lease documented on Ejar renews automatically on its terms unless either party gives notice of non-renewal at least 60 days before it ends

Dispute Resolution

Seek settlement through the Ministry of Justice Taradhi reconciliation platform before litigation
File a claim through Najiz at the General Court for substantive disputes (rent amount, termination, deposit)
Apply to the Execution Court when a right is established in a unified lease documented on Ejar, which is an executive instrument

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord raise rent mid-contract?

No, landlord cannot raise rent during the active contract. Increases only apply at renewal.

What if landlord refuses to return deposit?

Start with a settlement request on the Taradhi platform; if that fails, file a claim through Najiz at the General Court to recover the deposit, using the unit handover report and photos as evidence of its condition.