Security Deposits & Return in Saudi Arabia (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Security deposits are common in Saudi rentals, and the Ejar system provides a framework for managing them:
- Amount: There is no statutory cap, but deposits are typically one to two months' rent.
- Ejar documentation: The deposit amount and return conditions should be documented in the Ejar contract — this makes it enforceable through the Enforcement Court.
- Purpose: The deposit covers damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or unpaid utilities at the end of the tenancy.
- Return: The landlord must return the deposit (minus legitimate deductions) at the end of the lease after a property inspection.
- Disputes: If the landlord refuses to return your deposit without justification, you can file a claim through the Enforcement Court (Tanfeedh) via the Najiz platform.
When does it apply?
- Your landlord requires a security deposit before you move in.
- You are moving out and want your deposit returned.
- Your landlord is making deductions from your deposit that you believe are unfair.
What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses to Return Your Security Deposit in Saudi Arabia
- Ensure the deposit is documented in your Ejar contract — the amount, conditions for deduction, and return timeline should all be in writing.
- Document the property thoroughly at move-in and move-out with dated photos, videos, and a written checklist.
- Request a written breakdown of any deductions — do not accept vague claims of "damage."
- If unfairly withheld, file a claim through the Najiz platform to the Enforcement Court — your Ejar contract makes this a streamlined process.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not pay a deposit without it being recorded in Ejar — an undocumented cash deposit is almost impossible to recover through the courts.
- Do not skip the move-in inspection — without photos and documentation, you cannot prove pre-existing damage.
- Do not withhold final rent as a substitute for the deposit — this gives the landlord grounds for eviction proceedings.
About Housing Rights in Oman
Your lease in Saudi Arabia must be registered on Ejar, the government's mandatory electronic system run by MOMRAH. Without it, you can't enforce the contract or access government services tied to your address. There's no rent cap — increases are negotiated at renewal, and mid-lease hikes only stick if the contract permits them. Brokers are regulated by REGA, and a 5% Real Estate Transaction Tax applies to sales. Eviction must go through the Enforcement Courts (Tanfeedh); landlord self-help like lock-changing is illegal. Other disputes file through Najiz.
Common Questions
What is the security deposits & return right in Oman?
Security deposits are common in Saudi rentals, and the Ejar system provides a framework for managing them:Amount: There is no statutory cap, but deposits are typically one to two months' rent.Ejar documentation: The deposit amount and return conditions should be documented in the Ejar contract — this makes it enforceable through the Enforcement Court.Purpose: The deposit covers damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or unpaid utilities at the end of the tenancy.Return: The landlord must return the deposit (minus legitimate deductions) at the end of the lease after a property inspecti...
When does it apply — security deposits & return?
Your landlord requires a security deposit before you move in.You are moving out and want your deposit returned.Your landlord is making deductions from your deposit that you believe are unfair.
What should I do if my landlord is withholding my security deposit without valid reason in Saudi Arabia?
Ensure the deposit is documented in your Ejar contract — the amount, conditions for deduction, and return timeline should all be in writing.Document the property thoroughly at move-in and move-out with dated photos, videos, and a written checklist.Request a written breakdown of any deductions — do not accept vague claims of "damage."If unfairly withheld, file a claim through the Najiz platform to the Enforcement Court — your Ejar contract makes this a streamlined process.
What should you NOT do — security deposits & return?
Do not pay a deposit without it being recorded in Ejar — an undocumented cash deposit is almost impossible to recover through the courts.Do not skip the move-in inspection — without photos and documentation, you cannot prove pre-existing damage.Do not withhold final rent as a substitute for the deposit — this gives the landlord grounds for eviction proceedings.