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Saudi Arabia Freezes Riyadh Rents for Five Years

Saudi Arabia imposes five-year rent freeze in Riyadh to stabilize housing market and protect tenant rights.

  • Publish date: Saturday، 27 September 2025 Reading time: two min read
Saudi Arabia Freezes Riyadh Rents for Five Years
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Saudi Arabia has announced a five-year rent freeze in Riyadh, a sweeping decision aimed at stabilising the housing market and easing financial pressures on tenants.

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Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman confirmed the new rules, which apply to both existing and new contracts within the city’s urban boundary. Landlords will be unable to increase rental values until 2030, according to Saudi Gazette.

The regulation, introduced to balance fairness between landlords and tenants, could also be extended to other cities and governorates upon approval from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.

Vacant properties in Riyadh will now have their rent fixed at the value of the last registered contract. For units that have never been rented before, landlords and tenants may still negotiate the rental price freely.

All contracts must be registered on the Ejar platform, with a 60-day window for objections. If no challenge is filed, the data becomes binding.

Renewal Rights and Penalties

The rules also stipulate that landlords cannot refuse renewals if tenants want to extend contracts, except in specific cases:

  • Non-payment of rent
  • Major structural safety issues
  • If the landlord requires the property for personal use or for a first-degree relative.

Violations will carry steep fines equal to 12 months’ rent, in addition to compensation for tenants. Whistleblowers who report violations could receive up to 20% of the fine amount.

Limited Grounds for Appeals

Landlords are permitted to appeal fixed rents under limited circumstances, such as after major renovations or if the last contract predates 2024.

The move comes amid soaring housing costs in Riyadh, where rental prices have climbed sharply in recent years. Analysts say the rent freeze is a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to provide affordable housing and protect tenants’ rights.

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