Lease Renewal & Termination

Source: Ejar Platform Regulations; Civil Code Provisions; Enforcement Law (Royal Decree M/53, 2012)

Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions.

Saudi National Law

What is this right?

Rules for renewing or ending your rental lease in Saudi Arabia:

  • Fixed-term leases: The lease ends on the agreed expiry date. If both parties want to continue, a new Ejar contract must be registered.
  • Auto-renewal: Some leases include an automatic renewal clause — the lease renews for the same term unless one party gives notice.
  • Tenant termination: To end a lease early, the tenant typically needs to give notice as specified in the contract. Breaking the lease early may require paying a penalty (usually 1-2 months' rent).
  • Landlord termination: The landlord can refuse to renew at the end of the term but must give adequate notice.
  • Mutual termination: Both parties can agree to end the lease early by signing a termination through Ejar.

When does it apply?

  • Your lease is about to expire and you want to renew or leave.
  • You want to break your lease early.
  • Your landlord is refusing to renew your lease.

What should you do?

  • Review your contract for renewal, notice, and early termination clauses.
  • Give written notice well before the expiry date if you plan to leave.
  • If renewing, ensure the new contract is registered on Ejar before the old one expires.
  • If you need to break the lease early, negotiate with your landlord — a mutual termination is better than abandoning the property.

What should you NOT do?

  • Do not just stop paying and leave — you may owe penalties and damage your rental history.
  • Do not assume the lease auto-renews unless the contract explicitly says so.
  • Do not stay past the lease expiry without a new contract — you lose legal protections without an active Ejar registration.

More in Housing Rights

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