Riyadh Rent Freeze — What It Means & What You Must Do
A simple, step-by-step guide for tenants and landlords to understand the 5-year rent freeze in Riyadh: who is covered, the registration process, rights, exceptions, and ready-to-use templates.
Quick summary (in one minute)
The Saudi government announced a 5-year freeze on rent increases inside the urban boundary of Riyadh. In practice this means landlords cannot raise the rent during the freeze for properties covered by the rule. Contracts must be registered on the official platform (Ejar) and parties have rights to object or appeal in certain situations.
Who is covered?
- Geography: Properties inside the defined urban boundary of Riyadh (official boundary set by authorities).
- Contracts: Both existing registered contracts and newly registered contracts inside the boundary are affected.
- Vacant previously-leased properties: These are to use the last registered contract price as the baseline.
- Newly completed properties that were never leased: Owner and tenant can agree on a new rent freely (not subject to the freeze).
If you are unsure whether your building falls inside the urban boundary, check your municipality map or ask the Real Estate General Authority.
What the freeze does (and does not) do
- Prohibits landlords from raising the agreed rent for covered units for 5 years.
- Does not forcibly change rent amounts already fixed in registered contracts — it prevents increases above those amounts.
- Allows free negotiation for brand-new units never leased before.
- Contains specific exceptions (safety reasons, non-payment, or owner needs the unit for close family).
Step-by-step: What tenants should do now
Immediate actions
- Register your contract on Ejar (if not already). Registration proves the rent baseline and start/end dates.
- Save documents: Keep copies of the lease, receipts of rent payments, bank transfer receipts, and any communication with the landlord.
- Take photos: Of the unit condition, meter readings (electric/water), and any damage as baseline evidence.
- Confirm last registered rent: If your unit was previously leased and vacant, confirm the last registered contract price on Ejar or through the official authority.
Follow-up actions
- Check automatic renewal: Contracts renew automatically unless 60 days' notice is given by either side. Note the renewal date and any notices.
- Monitor requests/objections: When a new registration occurs, either party has 60 days to object.
- If landlord attempts a hike: Gather evidence and report to the Real Estate General Authority; fines apply to violators.
Step-by-step: What landlords should do now
- Register (or re-register) all lease contracts with accurate dates and rent values — this protects you later and follows the rules.
- Document improvements: If you plan to renovate and change rent later, keep records and receipts — such cases may allow a later appeal.
- Read exception rules: You can refuse renewal for safety reasons, non-payment, or personal necessity (owner or first-degree relative), but you must follow formal notice processes.
- If you believe the baseline is unfair: Use the appeal channel with clear evidence (receipts, valuations, professional assessments).
Registration process (Ejar) — simple checklist
- Create an account on the Ejar platform (or log in if you already have one).
- Find the "Register Lease Contract" section.
- Enter landlord details, tenant details, property address (be precise), contract start/end dates, and the rent amount.
- Upload scanned copies: signed lease, ID (Iqama/passport), property ownership document (title/deed) for landlords.
- Submit and keep the confirmation/transaction ID and a screenshot as proof.
- Watch the 60-day window — either party can file an objection during this time.
Tip: Always keep both a printed copy and a PDF copy. If you register by a representative, keep the authorization letter as well.
When an objection or appeal is needed
If either party believes the registered rent figure or the process is wrong, they can object within 60 days after registration. If the issue is not resolved, the case can be escalated to the Real Estate General Authority for review and possible hearing. Examples of valid appeals:
- Landlord: Significant, documented renovations after the last registered contract that justify a different market rent.
- Tenant: Proof that the owner registered a higher historical rent incorrectly or forged documents.
- Both sides: Mistaken property address or incorrect dates that materially change the rights.
Penalties and enforcement
- Violating the rent-freeze rules can lead to fines and compensation to the affected party (reports indicate fines up to 12 months' rent in some cases).
- Whistleblowers who report violations can receive a share of the fine (reported up to 20% as an incentive).
- Keep all communication in writing (email, SMS, WhatsApp) — authorities rely on records when investigating.
Examples — quick scenarios
- Tenant A: Had a registered contract at SAR 50,000/year. Landlord cannot increase above this amount during the freeze.
- Tenant B: Moves into a brand-new unit never leased before. Tenant B and landlord agree SAR 70,000/year — this is allowed because the unit was never leased.
- Landlord C: Repaired and fully renovated a unit after the last contract. Landlord may apply for reassessment — but must provide invoices and professional valuation.
Ready-to-use templates
1) Tenant: Report of attempted illegal rent increase
2) Landlord: Appeal for reassessment after renovation
Copy the template and fill in your details. Save as PDF and upload when you file a report.
FAQ (simple answers)
Q: Can my landlord evict me and increase rent anyway?A: Eviction is only lawful under specific reasons (non-payment, safety, or owner need). Landlord cannot use eviction simply to increase rent — report such attempts.
Q: I paid cash without a contract. What should I do?A: Register the contract immediately. Gather payment proof (transfer slips, receipts) and ask the landlord to sign a formal lease. If landlord refuses, keep all communication records and seek help from the authority.
Q: Does the freeze apply to commercial leases?A: The current announcement focuses on residential rent inside Riyadh; check the official regulation text for scope on commercial leases.
Where to get official help
- Real Estate General Authority (REGA) — file reports, appeals, or ask for information.
- Ejar platform — for registration and contract verification.
- Municipality of Riyadh — for boundary maps and local planning questions.
If you need official links or the regulation's full Arabic text, tell me and I will fetch and attach them to this post.
Final tips (easy to follow)
- Register everything now on Ejar — it is the strongest single protection.
- Keep receipts and screenshots for all payments and communication.
- If unsure whether your building is inside the urban boundary, ask REGA or the municipality and get a written confirmation.
- File complaints early — there is a strong chance authorities will act on well-documented cases.
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