Maintenance & Habitability Obligations in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Landlords have a legal duty to maintain rental properties in livable condition — and the Ejar platform provides a documentation trail for maintenance disputes:
- Structural maintenance: The landlord is responsible for major repairs — plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, structural issues, and air conditioning (a habitability essential in Saudi Arabia's extreme heat).
- Habitability: The property must be fit for its intended purpose. In Saudi Arabia, a non-functioning AC system during summer months (temperatures exceeding 50C) can render a property unlivable, giving the tenant the right to demand immediate repair or terminate the lease.
- Tenant responsibilities: Minor maintenance and day-to-day upkeep (light bulbs, small fixtures) are typically the tenant's responsibility unless the Ejar contract specifies otherwise.
- Contract terms: The Ejar contract should specify who is responsible for each type of maintenance — this is enforceable through the Enforcement Court.
- Right to repair: If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs after written notice, the tenant may be able to make repairs and seek reimbursement — but document everything and ideally get a court order first.
When does it apply?
- Your rental property has a maintenance issue that affects livability — broken AC, plumbing leaks, electrical faults, pest infestations.
- Your landlord refuses to make repairs that are their responsibility under the Ejar contract.
What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses to Fix a Broken AC or Essential Repairs in Saudi Arabia
- Notify your landlord in writing about the issue — send a message through the Ejar platform or by documented method (email, WhatsApp with read receipts) and keep copies.
- Give the landlord a reasonable time to respond and arrange repairs.
- If they refuse, file a complaint through the Ejar platform or directly to the Enforcement Court via the Najiz platform.
- Document the problem with photos, videos, and dates — this evidence is critical for any Enforcement Court claim.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not withhold rent without a court order — even if the landlord is neglecting maintenance, non-payment gives them grounds to file for eviction.
- Do not make expensive repairs yourself without documenting the landlord's refusal and getting legal advice — the Enforcement Court may not reimburse you without proper procedure.
- Do not ignore small problems — in Saudi Arabia's extreme climate, minor issues (small leaks, AC inefficiency) can escalate rapidly into habitability crises.
Common Questions
When does it apply — maintenance & habitability obligations?
Your rental property has a maintenance issue that affects livability — broken AC, plumbing leaks, electrical faults, pest infestations.Your landlord refuses to make repairs that are their responsibility under the Ejar contract.
What should I do if my landlord will not make essential repairs like a broken air conditioner in Saudi Arabia?
Notify your landlord in writing about the issue — send a message through the Ejar platform or by documented method (email, WhatsApp with read receipts) and keep copies.Give the landlord a reasonable time to respond and arrange repairs.If they refuse, file a complaint through the Ejar platform or directly to the Enforcement Court via the Najiz platform.Document the problem with photos, videos, and dates — this evidence is critical for any Enforcement Court claim.
What should you NOT do — maintenance & habitability obligations?
Do not withhold rent without a court order — even if the landlord is neglecting maintenance, non-payment gives them grounds to file for eviction.Do not make expensive repairs yourself without documenting the landlord's refusal and getting legal advice — the Enforcement Court may not reimburse you without proper procedure.Do not ignore small problems — in Saudi Arabia's extreme climate, minor issues (small leaks, AC inefficiency) can escalate rapidly into habitability crises.