Saudi Authorities Toughen Penalties for Rule-Breaking Landlords
- Publish date: Tuesday، 16 December 2025 Reading time: 1 min read
Saudi authorities introduce escalating penalties for landlords violating rent and contract regulations, reinforcing tenant protections.
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Landlords in Saudi Arabia now have a sharper reason to follow the rules. New regulations lay out escalating fines for those who violate rental laws, covering rent increases, contract registration, and tenant rights.
Major Violations and Penalties
One of the most serious breaches is raising rent illegally — whether for residential, commercial, or vacant properties. Penalties ramp up with repeated offenses:
فيديو ذات صلة
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First offense: Fine equal to two months’ rent
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Second offense: Six months’ rent
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Repeated violations: Twelve months’ rent
Landlords are also required to rectify the violation, not just pay the fine.
Contract Registration and Other Rules
Failing to register rental contracts on the Ejar electronic system is another major violation. The penalty structure is:
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First offense: Warning and mandatory rectification
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Second offense: Fine up to three months’ rent
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Third offense: Fine up to six months’ rent
Similar fines apply if landlords refuse to renew contracts or force tenants to vacate without legal reason, especially in Riyadh.
Tenants’ Rights Protected
Authorities stress that applying fines does not limit tenants’ rights to claim compensation for damages or losses. These measures are part of a broader move to regulate landlord-tenant relationships and include the suspension of annual rent increases in Riyadh for the next five years.