The unified lease contract (عقد الإيجار الموحد) is the contract concluded and registered between landlord and tenant through Ejar (إيجار, the official rental platform), for residential and commercial property. Its most important feature is that a contract registered on the platform is an enforceable instrument (سند تنفيذي): if the tenant does not pay the rent, or the term ends and the tenant does not vacate, the landlord can go directly to the Enforcement Court without first filing a lawsuit. This guide explains what the contract contains, the rights of both parties, and how rental disputes are resolved.
What does the unified lease contract contain?
- The details of the landlord and tenant, and of the real estate broker if there is one.
- The details of the property and the leased unit, and the title deed or register number.
- The term of the contract, its start and end dates, and whether it renews.
- The rent, and how and when it is paid.
- Each party's obligations for maintenance and services, and the security deposit if there is one.
- Any additional terms the parties agree.
What is written in the additional terms governs the relationship, so read it before approving the contract on the platform, especially the terms on early termination, maintenance and renewal. The contract on Ejar is in Arabic; if you do not read Arabic, have the terms explained to you before you approve.
Why the contract should be registered on Ejar
| Contract registered on Ejar | Unregistered paper contract | |
|---|---|---|
| Collecting overdue rent | A direct enforcement request at the Enforcement Court | A lawsuit in court first, then enforcement |
| Eviction after the term ends | Usually through enforcement | An eviction lawsuit |
| Proof | The details are documented on the platform | Depends on the paper and witnesses |
| Related services | Accepted by many bodies as proof of residence or business premises | Limited |
The landlord's rights and obligations
- To receive the rent on the agreed dates.
- To hand over the property fit for the agreed use, and carry out the maintenance the contract requires.
- Not to interfere with the tenant's use of the property throughout the term.
- To recover the property when the term ends, in accordance with the contract.
The tenant's rights and obligations
- To use the property throughout the term without interference.
- To pay the rent on time, and use the property for the purpose it was leased for.
- To look after the property, and repair damage they cause.
- To recover the security deposit on vacating, after deduction of any proven damage or amounts due.
- To return the property at the end of the term in the condition it was received, allowing for normal wear and tear.
Common rental disputes and how they are resolved
| Dispute | Usual route |
|---|---|
| Overdue rent under a contract registered on Ejar | An enforcement request at the Enforcement Court based on the contract. |
| Refusal to vacate after a registered contract ends | An enforcement request for eviction. |
| Damage to the property, or a dispute over the security deposit | A lawsuit before the competent court, because it needs proof and assessment. |
| The landlord failing to maintain, or interfering with the tenant | A written notice, then a lawsuit, which may include termination of the contract or compensation. |
| Ending the contract before its term | According to the contract terms; if the contract is silent, it is a dispute for the court. |
If the contract is not registered, the route usually starts with a lawsuit to establish the right, then enforcement after the judgment. That is why it is advisable to register every lease on the platform from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord cut off electricity or water to force a tenant to pay or leave?
No. Rights must be obtained through legal routes, via enforcement or the court, and taking matters into your own hands exposes you to liability.
The contract has ended, the tenant has not renewed and is still in the property. What do I do?
If the contract is registered on Ejar, you can file an enforcement request to evict and claim rent for the period the tenant stayed. Keep a record of the contract's end date and any notice you sent.
Can a contract registered on Ejar be amended?
Amendment, cancellation or renewal is done through the platform with both parties' consent. A side amendment on paper that contradicts the registered contract is not recognised.
Have a rental dispute?
The team at Usus Law Firm handles real estate cases and enforcement for landlords and tenants, from its offices in Riyadh and Tabuk. We advise in English. See also our guide to the Real Estate Register and in-rem registration.
Read also: The Enforcement Court and how to file an enforcement request.
Read also: A notice template for tenants and landlords.
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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