An Ejar contract is the official electronic rental contract for residential and commercial properties in Saudi Arabia. If you rent a flat, villa, shop, or office, your rental agreement should be registered on the Ejar platform. A registered Ejar contract protects both the tenant and the landlord, and it is also required for many government services — including Iqama renewals, dependent visas, and address registration. This guide explains how Ejar registration and renewal work, what you need, and what to do when something goes wrong.
Many tenants first hear about Ejar when a government service asks for a registered contract. If your rental is only on paper, or your Ejar contract has expired, those services can be blocked until it is registered or renewed. Registration is straightforward once you have the right documents.
What Is Ejar?
Ejar is the official rental platform run under the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. It records rental contracts electronically, so both parties have a verified agreement the government recognizes. A contract includes the property details, rent amount, payment schedule, contract period, and the rights and duties of both sides.
Ejar contracts are created through licensed real estate brokers or the Ejar platform itself. Either side can start the contract, but both must verify and approve it before it becomes active.
Why Do You Need a Registered Ejar Contract?
A registered Ejar contract matters for several reasons:
- Government services. Many services — including Iqama renewal, family visas, and updating your national address — ask for a registered Ejar contract as proof of residence.
- Legal protection. In a dispute over rent, maintenance, or eviction, a registered contract is the official record both sides can rely on.
- Proof of address. Banks, schools, and employers often accept an Ejar contract as proof of where you live.
- Avoiding fines. Renting without a registered contract can lead to penalties for the landlord, and it leaves the tenant without protection.
If you rent in Jeddah and your contract is not on Ejar, register it as soon as possible — especially before your Iqama renewal or any visa application.
Documents You Need for Ejar Registration
To register a new Ejar contract, you usually need:
- The tenant’s Iqama or national ID number
- The landlord’s ID and ownership documents for the property
- The property details — building name, unit number, and address
- The agreed rent amount and payment schedule
- The contract start and end dates
- A licensed real estate broker’s details, if a broker is involved
- The property’s title deed or ownership proof
Fees apply for Ejar registration, and the amount can vary depending on the type of contract and who provides the service. Confirm the current fee through official channels or ask us on WhatsApp before you start.
How to Register an Ejar Contract: Step by Step
- Agree the terms. Landlord and tenant agree on the rent, the payment dates, the contract length, and any conditions such as maintenance responsibilities.
- Prepare the documents. Gather the IDs, property papers, and ownership documents listed above.
- Create the contract. A licensed broker or the landlord creates the contract on the Ejar platform with all the agreed details.
- Review the contract. Both sides check the rent amount, dates, property details, and payment schedule. Read everything before approving.
- Approve and authenticate. Both the landlord and the tenant confirm the contract through the platform, usually with a verification code sent to their registered mobile numbers.
- Pay the fee. The registration fee is paid through the official payment channel.
- Receive your contract. Once active, both sides can download the registered Ejar contract. Keep a copy for your records and for any government service that asks for it.
How to Renew an Ejar Contract
Ejar contracts have a fixed term — usually one year — and they need to be renewed before they expire. The renewal process is similar to registration:
- Check the expiry date. Log in to Ejar or check your contract copy for the end date. Start the renewal before it expires.
- Confirm the terms. If the rent or conditions are changing, agree on the new terms with your landlord first.
- Submit the renewal. The contract is renewed on the Ejar platform with the updated dates and terms.
- Both sides approve. Landlord and tenant confirm the renewed contract.
- Pay the renewal fee. The fee is paid through the official channel, and the renewed contract becomes active.
If your contract has already expired, renew it as soon as possible — an expired contract can block Iqama renewals and other services that need proof of address.
Common Ejar Problems and How to Fix Them
- The landlord will not register the contract. Talk to your landlord first and explain that registration protects both sides. If the landlord still refuses, you can raise the matter through the official Ejar support channels or seek advice from a service office.
- Wrong details on the contract. Check the rent, dates, and property details before approving. A mistake found after approval may need correcting through the platform or with the broker’s help.
- The property is not in the system. Some older buildings are not yet registered on Ejar. The landlord or broker may need to add the property details first.
- Payment disputes. Keep records of every rent payment — bank transfers are best. A registered contract plus payment proof makes it much easier to resolve a dispute.
Final approval and registration of any Ejar contract rests with the relevant government authorities and the platform’s verification process. No office can guarantee approval, but a service office can help you prepare everything correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Ejar contract compulsory in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, rental contracts should be registered on Ejar. A registered contract is also required for many government services, including Iqama renewal and family visas.
Who pays the Ejar registration fee?
This is agreed between the landlord and the tenant — often paid by the tenant or shared. Confirm the current fee through official channels.
Can I renew my Iqama without an Ejar contract?
In many cases, a registered Ejar contract is required as proof of address for Iqama renewal. If your contract has expired, renew it before starting your Iqama renewal.
What should I do if my landlord refuses to register the contract on Ejar?
Explain that registration protects both parties. If the landlord still refuses, you can contact Ejar support or visit a service office for advice on the next steps.
Need Help With Your Ejar Contract?
Registering or renewing an Ejar contract is simple when the documents are ready — and frustrating when they are not. At Al Hijaz General Service in Al-Khumra, Jeddah, we help tenants and landlords prepare their Ejar registration and renewal, check the details, and avoid the mistakes that cause delays. Visit our office on Street 60, opposite Mustawsaf Nofa, or message us on WhatsApp at +966559956131. We are open from 10 AM to 11 PM, every day.