Rental rules that depend on place and date

What the source says

Within Riyadh's urban boundary, the page says rent on residential and commercial properties may not be increased for five years starting 25 September 2025 (3 Rabi al-Thani 1447 AH). A vacant property that was let before may not be offered above the last contract's rent, and the landlord may object if the property has undergone substantial structural repairs, if its last contract predates 2024, or in cases set by the Authority's board.

In the other cities, the starting point is stability of the relationship and no change to the agreed value; rent increases are by agreement under the contract. The page gives no cap on the size of an increase.

Automatic renewal applies to existing and new contracts, except fixed-term contracts with 90 days or less remaining when the rule took effect. A landlord may cancel renewal by giving at least 60 days' notice. Within Riyadh's urban boundary, the grounds are limited to non-payment, structural defects shown by an approved technical report, the landlord's or a first-degree relative's personal use of the home, and cases set by the board.

If a landlord refuses to register the contract, the tenant may ask for it to be registered on Ejar; the landlord may object within 60 days of being notified, after which the contract data is treated as correct.

When it matters to you

These rules change the calculations for owners, tenants and property managers, so tie each question to your city and the contract date before relying on any of them. Registration, payment and objections all take place on Ejar, and Thibrh only refers you there.

What this article does not cover

We have not read the Authority board's original decision; this article rests on the Authority's page. The page does not address Makkah or Madinah, so it should not be taken to mean a national rule covers them. The rule here is tied to place and date and must not be extended to another city or another date. This is general information from a published source, not legal advice; official decisions and procedures take place on the authority's platform.