Utility Rights & Disconnection Protections 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?
Tenants have specific rights regarding utility services — and landlords are prohibited from using utility disconnection as an eviction tool:
- Utility responsibility: The Ejar contract should clearly state who pays for electricity (SEC), water (NWC), and other utilities.
- Landlord cannot disconnect: A landlord cannot cut off utilities to force a tenant out — this is illegal self-help eviction and can be reported to the police (call 911).
- Transfer of accounts: Utilities can be transferred to the tenant's name through the provider (SEC or NWC), or remain in the landlord's name per the Ejar contract.
- Disconnection by provider: SEC and NWC can disconnect for non-payment after giving proper warning notices and a grace period. You can check and pay utility bills through the Absher app.
- Prepaid meters: Some properties use prepaid electricity meters — the tenant tops these up directly through the SEC app or Sadad payment system.
When does it apply?
- Your landlord is threatening to cut off electricity, water, or other utilities.
- You are being charged for utilities not covered in your Ejar contract.
- Your utility provider is threatening disconnection for non-payment.
What to Do If Your Landlord Cuts Off Utilities to Force You Out in Saudi Arabia
- Check your Ejar contract to confirm who is responsible for which utilities.
- If your landlord cuts utilities, call the police (911) and file a complaint through the Najiz platform to the Enforcement Court.
- If facing disconnection by SEC or NWC, contact them immediately to arrange payment — you can pay through Absher, SADAD, or directly through the provider's app.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not ignore utility bills — unpaid bills lead to disconnection and can block your Absher services and Iqama renewal.
- Do not tamper with meters — this is a criminal offence that can result in fines and imprisonment.
- Do not assume the landlord pays all utilities — always verify in the Ejar contract before signing.
Common Questions
When does it apply — utility rights & disconnection protections?
Your landlord is threatening to cut off electricity, water, or other utilities.You are being charged for utilities not covered in your Ejar contract.Your utility provider is threatening disconnection for non-payment.
What should I do if my landlord has disconnected my electricity or water in Saudi Arabia?
Check your Ejar contract to confirm who is responsible for which utilities.If your landlord cuts utilities, call the police (911) and file a complaint through the Najiz platform to the Enforcement Court.If facing disconnection by SEC or NWC, contact them immediately to arrange payment — you can pay through Absher, SADAD, or directly through the provider's app.
What should you NOT do — utility rights & disconnection protections?
Do not ignore utility bills — unpaid bills lead to disconnection and can block your Absher services and Iqama renewal.Do not tamper with meters — this is a criminal offence that can result in fines and imprisonment.Do not assume the landlord pays all utilities — always verify in the Ejar contract before signing.