Ejar Network 2026: Electronic Rental-Contract Documentation in Saudi Arabia

The Ejar network is Saudi Arabia's official government platform for documenting residential and commercial rental contracts. Launched in 2017 under Vision 2030 to regulate the rental market, protect both parties, and provide a unified database of leased units. Official URL: ejar.sa.

Before Ejar, unregistered paper contracts caused chaos: landlords raising rent arbitrarily, tenants defaulting, disputes courts didn't recognise, children unable to enrol in school because their housing was "informal." Ejar solved this by making documentation mandatory for every rental contract.

Why documentation is essential

| Need | Why | |---|---| | Courts | Undocumented contracts are not accepted | | Enrolling children in Noor | Documented address required | | Applying for Sakani | Proves housing independence | | Citizen Account & Social Security | Independent documented housing required | | Residency proof for expats | For iqama renewal and services | | Fire-insurance claims | Insurance requires documented contract | | Housing allowance increases | Some employers link housing allowance to the contract |

Who can document a contract?

| User | How | |---|---| | Owner directly | Individual Ejar account, documents their own units | | Accredited real-estate office | Documents on behalf of the landlord — most common | | Property heirs | With a unified power of attorney from notary or Najiz | | Property management company | Establishment account in Ejar |

Documentation steps

| Step | Detail | |---|---| | 1 | Landlord or office opens ejar.sa | | 2 | Sign in with Absher or National Access | | 3 | Select "New Contract" → enter unit details (title-deed number, area, rooms) | | 4 | Add tenant (by ID and mobile) | | 5 | Enter contract terms: amount, duration, payment schedule, special conditions | | 6 | Contract sent to tenant electronically | | 7 | Tenant signs digitally via Absher | | 8 | Contract stamped with official Ejar seal |

Both parties can view the contract from their accounts anytime.

Key clauses to review before signing

As a tenant, read carefully:

1. Annual rent and payment schedule (monthly, quarterly, yearly).
2. Contract duration — one year, two, etc.
3. Automatic renewal clause or need for a new contract.
4. Security deposit amount and refund conditions.
5. Eviction clauses — when the landlord can evict, and required notice.
6. Maintenance clause — who covers major maintenance (leaks, electrical faults).
7. Rent increase — is there an annual percentage rise?
8. Late-payment penalties.
9. Assignment rights — can you sublet?
10. Early-termination rights — how and under what conditions.

As a landlord, ensure:

• Tenant identity matches (full four-part name matches ID).
• Tenant's financial data is reasonable — form an impression of ability to pay.
• Special conditions (no pets, no smoking, etc.) are written explicitly.

Paying rent via Ejar

Since 2020, Ejar added an auto-payment service:

• The tenant links a bank account.
• On each due date, the amount is deducted and credited to the landlord's account automatically.
• Both parties receive a notification.
• Payment history is documented in the system — decisive evidence in disputes.

Big benefit for the landlord: no more chasing payments or handling cheques. For the tenant: builds a positive credit history (some banks consider it).

Contract renewal

60 days before contract expiry:

• Automatic notification to both parties.
• Either renewal on same or new (agreed) terms.
• Or termination by notice from either party.

Note: some contracts auto-renew if neither party objects, per the original contract.

Eviction and disputes

When can the landlord evict?:

• Non-payment for 3 consecutive months.
• Using the property for other than the agreed purpose.
• Causing serious damage.
• Contract expiry with landlord not wanting renewal (requires sufficient prior notice).

When can the tenant terminate?:

• Serious defects making the property unfit.
• Landlord breaching material conditions.
• Contract expiry with tenant not wanting renewal.

Dispute mechanism: from Ejar itself, "Complaints." The matter is raised to the Rental Dispute Resolution Committee. The decision is relatively fast (45-60 days).

Choosing the real-estate office

If you document via a real-estate office:

• Verify accreditation: from Ejar → "Accredited Offices" search for the name.
• Transparent fees: request a detailed invoice before signing.
• Free choice of office: the landlord cannot force you to a specific office.

Mistakes that hurt your rights

• Signing without reading: every clause you'll regret later.
• Paying cash without documented receipt: the system relies on Ejar's log — any payment outside it doesn't count.
• Accepting an undocumented contract "to save fees": you won't be able to enrol your child in Noor or apply for Sakani.
• Not updating contact details: you miss important notifications.
• Delaying a complaint against a violating landlord: every day of delay weakens your position.

Related articles

• Sakani — programmes and eligibility
• Citizen Account — eligibility
• Najiz — powers of attorney and documents

Sources:

• Official Ejar network — ejar.sa
• Ministry of Municipalities and Housing — momrah.gov.sa
• Real Estate General Authority — rega.gov.sa