Introduction: Ejar Platform - Where Your Real Contract Begins Have you heard of tenants who refused to pay rent for months, while landlords couldn't evict them for an entire year due to lengthy court proceedings? Or owners who suddenly raised rent in the middle of a contract? Or disputes over property condition at handover that no one could prove? These nightmare scenarios were daily occurrences before 2018. Today, in 2026, they're a thing of the past, thanks to the Ejar platform. Ejar, the platform managed by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, is far more than just a rental contract registration website. It represents a complete legal revolution that transformed every residential rental contract into an executive bond officially recognized by the Ministry of Justice. It connects contracts with electricity and water companies, SADAD payment service, and execution courts. Today, it hosts over 2.9 million active contracts across 43,866 licensed real estate brokerage offices. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a complete journey from the moment you decide to rent or lease a property, all the way to final handover and contract conclusion. Step by step, with all legal and practical details. Whether you're a tenant, landlord, or real estate broker, this article will be your complete reference for everything you need to know about Ejar in 2026. First: What is Ejar Platform and How Does It Differ from Paper Contracts? Ejar is an official electronic network managed by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, launched to regulate relationships between landlords, tenants, and real estate brokers. The fundamental difference between Ejar and traditional paper contracts lies in one phrase: "Executive Bond." The Practical Difference Between Documented and Paper Contracts Traditional paper contracts require filing a lawsuit in general court for any dispute, which can take months or even years. Documented contracts via Ejar, however, are considered executive bonds enforceable directly through the execution court within days, without needing to file a lawsuit or attend hearings. The Ministry of Justice has issued an official circular stipulating that disputes arising from contracts not registered in the electronic network will not be heard, meaning unregistered contracts have no legal value before the courts. Stunning Numbers About Ejar in 2026 Over 2,904,787 active rental contracts, 43,866 licensed real estate brokerage offices, 80% reduction in rental cases in general courts, financial claims executed in just 5 days, and protected rights of millions of tenants and landlords electronically. These numbers reflect the magnitude of the revolution Ejar has brought to the Saudi rental sector. ⚠️ Legal Notice: Rental contracts not registered on Ejar do not produce judicial effects, and courts will not hear disputes arising from them, per Minister of Justice Circular No. (13/T/8843). Second: Registering on Ejar Platform - The First Step Before creating or approving any contract, you must be registered on the platform. The good news is that in 2026, the process has become very easy and directly linked to your digital identity. Login and Registration Process Step 1: Visit the official Ejar platform website at ejar.sa. Step 2: Click on "Login." Step 3: You'll be automatically redirected to the "Nafath" (National Single Sign-On) page. Step 4: Enter your National ID or Iqama number. Step 5: Confirm login through the Nafath app on your phone or via verification code sent to your registered number. Note that Ejar has eliminated traditional login methods like Absher, relying entirely on Nafath for the highest security levels. You can also switch between roles if you have multiple roles (for example, you're renting an apartment while also leasing out a villa you own). Eligible Categories First: Tenants from individuals (citizens, residents, and GCC nationals). Second: Landlords (property investors, individual owners, companies, or representatives). Third: Real estate brokerage offices and brokerage firms with valid commercial registration that includes property leasing and management activities, holding a "FAL" license from REGA, and having completed mandatory training. Third: Where Do You Go to Write a Rental Contract? This is a very important question that needs clarification. Tenants and landlords cannot directly create contracts independently on the platform. Contracts must be written through a licensed real estate brokerage office registered with Ejar. This requirement is regulatory and cannot be bypassed. Why Must You Use a Real Estate Brokerage? The real estate broker is responsible for entering contract data, verifying party identities, confirming property ownership, and electronically registering the contract. This protects all parties from fraud and deception. Licensed brokers hold a "FAL" license from REGA, are trained in Ejar procedures, and are legally accountable for the accuracy of submitted data. How to Choose the Right Broker? Before dealing with any broker, verify their FAL license through the FAL app or REGA website. Enter the license or ID number to see license status and validity. Never deal with unlicensed brokers regardless of incentives. Remember that commissions are legally capped at 2.5% of first-year rental value, and brokers cannot charge more. Raghdan Platform: Your Integrated Solution for Property Management This is where Raghdan Real Estate Platform, licensed by REGA, comes in. Raghdan provides over 15,000 licensed and identity-verified brokers via Nafath, helping you find the right broker easily. Plus, an integrated property management system connecting you with service providers, and a smart dashboard tracking your contracts and payments automatically with WhatsApp alerts. Fourth: Steps to Write a Rental Contract - Complete Details After the broker receives the contract documentation request, they log into Ejar and follow these detailed steps: Step 1: Determine Contract Type From the main menu, the broker selects "Contracts" then "Register New Contract." They specify the contract type: residential or commercial. Each type has a unified template and different fees. Residential contracts cover apartments, villas, and residential rest houses. Commercial contracts cover shops, offices, warehouses, and commercial projects. Step 2: Enter Contract Duration The broker sets the contract start and end dates using either Hijri or Gregorian calendar. Duration can be specified in years, months, and days, with the network automatically calculating the end date. Important note: For fee calculation purposes, partial years are counted as full years. Example: A 2-year, 1-month contract is calculated as 3 years for fees. Step 3: Enter Property and Unit Data Here the broker enters all property details: full address, deed number, property type (apartment, villa, shop, etc.), number of rooms, area, unit number, floor. New types can also be added like land, ATM machines, electricity stations, communication towers, and even parking spaces. Step 4: Enter Contract Parties The broker enters landlord data: National ID, mobile number, IBAN. Then tenant data: National ID or Iqama, mobile number. For residential contracts, family members (spouse and children) must be added if they'll reside in the unit. For commercial contracts, commercial registration and entity data must be entered. A rental contract cannot be signed without valid National ID or Iqama. Step 5: Enter Financial Data The broker specifies rental value. For contracts of one year or more, annual rent is entered. For less than one year, monthly rent. The network automatically calculates total contract value. Payment scheduling is set: monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual. Rent can also be set to increase or decrease over multiple years. The deposit (security) amount is entered, refundable to the tenant at contract end if the unit is in good condition. Step 6: Terms and Conditions This is the most important step, and you'll understand why in the next section. The broker selects the unified contract template and specifies whether subleasing is allowed. Parties can add special conditions, but be careful: in commercial contracts, any additional clause causes the contract to lose its executive bond status. Step 7: Review and Documentation After entering all data, the broker reviews the complete contract before sending. They pay fees from their Ejar electronic wallet (mada or SADAD). The contract is then sent to parties for documentation. SMS messages are sent to both landlord and tenant containing a link to login via Nafath and approve the contract. After both parties' approval, the contract becomes officially documented and effective. Fifth: Fees - Who Pays and How Much in 2026? Important rule: According to regulations, the landlord pays contract documentation fees, unless parties explicitly agree otherwise in contract terms. Fees in 2026 are as follows: Residential Contract Fees 125 Saudi Riyals for the first year, and 250 Saudi Riyals for each additional year. Example: A 3-year contract costs 125 + 250 + 250 = 625 Saudi Riyals, paid by the landlord at contract documentation. Commercial Contract Fees 200 Saudi Riyals for the first year, and 400 Saudi Riyals for each additional year. Example: A 5-year commercial contract costs 200 + (400×4) = 1,800 Saudi Riyals. Note that commercial contracts are also subject to 15% VAT borne by the tenant. Real Estate Broker Commission Maximum 2.5% of first-year rental value, typically borne by the tenant unless agreed otherwise. This commission is regulated by the real estate brokerage system, and brokers cannot charge more. Sixth: The Executive Bond - Ejar's Greatest Power Here lies the essence, the true power of an Ejar contract. The executive bond is a legal concept meaning the contract can be enforced directly through the execution court without filing a substantive lawsuit. Imagine the difference: instead of a full year of courts and hearings, you can enforce your rights in just 5 days for financial claims and 30 days for evictions. When is a Contract an Executive Bond? A residential contract documented via Ejar automatically becomes an executive bond upon documentation. This is a major advantage for residential contracts. According to official Ejar sources, all residential contracts concluded through the network are considered executive bonds even with special conditions, as long as those conditions don't conflict with basic terms or change the contract's nature. When Does a Contract Lose Executive Bond Status? This is the fundamental difference between residential and commercial contracts—a crucial fact many people don't know: For Residential Contracts: Remains an executive bond even with special conditions, provided they don't conflict with basic clauses or change contract nature. This gives parties significant flexibility. For Commercial Contracts: Any addition or modification of any clause causes the contract to lose its executive bond status. It becomes an ordinary contract requiring litigation in general courts. Therefore, strict adherence to the unified template is strongly recommended for commercial contracts. If additional terms are needed, they should be documented separately via independent deeds or judicial declarations. Practical Power of Executive Bonds If your contract is an executive bond, you can go directly to the execution court via Najiz platform in cases of: non-payment, non-vacation after contract end, or breach of any executive clause. You don't need a lawyer, lawsuit, or court hearings. Within 5 days for financial claims and 30 days for eviction requests, you receive your rights. 💡 Golden Insight: The unified residential contract was the first contract in the Kingdom's history to receive direct executive bond power. This achievement reduced rental cases in courts by over 80%, saving 284,000 court sessions held annually before Ejar. Seventh: Payment - How, Why, and When? Payment is the beating heart of any rental contract. Ejar smartly linked payments with Saudi banks and the national SADAD service, making every payment electronically documented and undeniable. Available Payment Methods in 2026 Method 1 - SADAD Payment (Most Common): Open your bank app. Choose "Electronic Payments" or "Bill Payment." Select "Add Bill" or "One-time Payment." Specify the biller "Ejar" with biller code 153. Enter the account number (contract number). The due amount appears, choose amount to pay, and pay. You'll receive instant confirmation, and the payment will appear in the landlord's account within minutes. Method 2 - mada Payment: Login to Ejar, select the contract, click "Make Payment," choose the payment to settle, then pay using mada card directly. Instant and convenient. Method 3 - Bank Transfer to Broker or Landlord: The tenant transfers directly to landlord or broker account, requiring an electronic receipt voucher via Ejar to prove payment. Method 4 - Cash Payment: The tenant pays cash to broker or landlord, receiving an electronic receipt voucher via Ejar. This is the least secure and not recommended. Why Pay Through Official Channels? First: Payments via SADAD or mada are automatically recorded in Ejar and cannot be denied. Second: The electronic receipt voucher legally protects you in disputes. Third: Payments recorded in Ejar strengthen your position before the execution court. Fourth: You avoid potential loss or manipulation of funds. Payment Reminders According to the updated rental regulations from Saudi Central Bank, landlords must remind tenants of upcoming payment dates at least 5 days before via SMS or other communication channels, then again after due date. This gives tenants a fair opportunity to pay before legal action. Eighth: What If the Tenant Doesn't Pay? Step by Step Here lies the power of documented contracts. We'll explain exactly what happens when tenants delay payments and how to legally and quickly recover your rights. Stage 1: Friendly Reminder (15 Days) The landlord begins with a friendly reminder via SMS, WhatsApp, or call. Many delay cases are resolved at this stage without legal action. If unresolved within 15 days, move to stage 2. Stage 2: Official Legal Notice (20 Days) The landlord sends an official legal notice via notary public or certified lawyer, demanding payment within 20 days. This notice serves as strong legal evidence supporting your court position. Stage 3: Filing Execution Request via Najiz If the tenant still hasn't paid, file a direct execution request via Najiz platform. Steps: Step 1: Visit najiz.sa and login via Nafath. Step 2: Select "Execution Services" then "New Execution Request." Step 3: Specify executive bond type: "Unified Rental Contract." Step 4: Choose claim type: "Financial Rights" for overdue rent, or "Other Rights" for eviction. Step 5: Enter defendant (tenant) data, contract number, and claim amount. Step 6: Submit the request and receive a reference number to track the case. Stage 4: Voluntary Execution (5 Days Financial / 30 Days Eviction) The execution court issues an executive order and notifies the tenant. They're given 5 days for voluntary payment in financial claims, or 30 days for property vacation in eviction requests. Stage 5: Forced Execution If the tenant doesn't comply, the court takes strict measures including: suspending government services, travel ban, asset and bank account seizure, executive imprisonment in cases of obstruction, and public defamation in deliberate cases. For evictions, an execution officer with police forcibly opens the property if needed, drafts an official eviction record, and delivers the property to the owner. Ninth: When Can the Landlord Evict the Tenant? This fundamental question is often asked. Saudi law has precisely defined cases where landlords can evict tenants: Eviction Cases During Active Contract Case 1 - Non-payment of Rent: If the tenant delays rent payment for over 30 days from due date, the landlord can request eviction via execution court, after first sending a 20-day payment notice. Case 2 - Using Property for Different Purpose: If the tenant uses the property for unauthorized purposes (e.g., renting a residential apartment and using it as commercial storage), the landlord can request eviction. Case 3 - Damaging the Property: If the tenant causes serious damage through misuse or negligence, with evidence from witnesses or technical reports. Case 4 - Subleasing Without Permission: If the tenant rents the property to a third party without explicit landlord consent in the contract. Case 5 - Illegal Activities: If the property is proven to be used for activities violating law or public morals. Eviction After Contract Expiry If the contract expires and the landlord doesn't wish to renew, eviction can be requested, but the tenant must be notified at least 60 days before contract expiry. This advance notice is mandatory and protects tenants from arbitrary eviction. What the Landlord Cannot Do Under no circumstances can the landlord: cut electricity or water, change locks, remove tenant belongings, raise rent during contract period, enter property without tenant permission, or threaten/coerce. Any such action exposes the landlord to legal liability, potentially incurring fines equivalent to many months of rent. ⚠️ Important Legal Note: In Riyadh, the Crown Prince issued a decision freezing rental increases for 5 years (2025-2030). This binding decision applies to all Riyadh landlords and protects tenants from arbitrary increases. Tenth: Electricity and Water Liability Transfer One of Ejar's most brilliant 2026 services is the "Liability Transfer" feature for electricity and water. Imagine moving to a new apartment where the previous tenant had unpaid bills—suddenly you find accumulated bills on your account! This problem is completely solved through this service. What is the Liability Transfer Service? It's a completely free service that links the rental unit's electricity and water bills to the actual tenant instead of the landlord. This ensures the tenant only pays for their consumption, while the landlord doesn't bear bills they're not responsible for. How Does the Service Work? During new contract documentation, the broker selects "Electricity and Water Service Transfer" from the "Services" section. They enter the electricity meter site number (found on the bill) and current meter reading. Parties approve terms and conditions. After contract documentation, Ejar automatically sends the request to Saudi Electricity Company and National Water Company. Both companies execute necessary procedures, and parties are notified by SMS of successful transfer. Important Features and Rules The service is completely free with no fees in Ejar or with the companies. The service is optional , not mandatory. There's no limit on accounts that can be transferred to the tenant. Applicable to both residential and commercial contracts. Upon contract end or cancellation, transfer is automatically reversed and electricity returns to the landlord without party intervention. What About Previous Accumulated Bills? If the meter ownership is registered with Saudi Electricity Company, the tenant is not obligated to pay previous bills, only their consumption from transfer date. However, if meter data is unclear, the tenant will be presented with the option to assume previous amounts or refuse transfer—the choice is theirs. Reversing Transfer Before Contract End To reverse electricity transfer back to the landlord during active contract for any reason, login to Ejar, request "Meter Detachment," the system sends the request to parties for approval, and after approval, executes with Saudi Electricity Company. Eleventh: Electronic Handover and Receipt - The Mandatory Service This is one of the most important services many people don't know about, but it's mandatory and irreplaceably protects all parties' rights. What is the Electronic Handover and Receipt Service? It's a mandatory service enabling contract parties to document the residential or commercial unit's condition at handover and receipt, via an electronic form linked to the Ejar contract. Its purposes: officially document property condition, regulate the rental process, preserve party rights, and prevent future disputes. When Should the Form Be Filled? Both landlord and tenant must complete the form within 7 days of contract start (receipt form), and again within 7 days of contract end (handover form). This time commitment is critical and cannot be exceeded. What Does the Form Include? The form contains a comprehensive property condition checklist including: wall condition (paint, cracks, any damage), floor condition (ceramics, parquet, carpet), doors and windows (safety, locks, glass), kitchen condition (cabinets, appliances, sinks), bathroom condition (plumbing, ceramics, fixtures), electrical condition (switches, outlets, lighting), AC and home appliances, electricity and water meter readings, and furniture condition (if furnished). How to Fill the Form? Step 1: The landlord logs into Ejar or via the link sent in SMS. Step 2: Fills the receipt form with details and attaches property photos. Step 3: Sends the form to the tenant for review. Step 4: The tenant logs in and reviews. If they have remarks, they note them in the form and approve or reject. After approval, the form is officially documented and becomes part of the rental contract. Important Form Rules The service is mandatory and cannot be bypassed for protecting party rights. Only tenants and landlords can fill the form, not brokers. The form cannot be edited after sending. If a representative (proxy) exists for either party, they can fill and approve on behalf. The form is contract-linked and legally becomes part of it. Form Importance at Contract End At contract end, the final handover form is compared with the initial receipt form. If the unit is in the same condition, the deposit is fully returned to the tenant. If damages exist, repair costs are deducted. If damages exceed the deposit, the landlord can claim the difference directly via execution court. Twelfth: Receiving Property After Contract End - Complete Scenarios Imagine you're a property owner, the contract has ended, and you want to receive your property. What are the correct steps? Scenario 1: Tenant Voluntarily Vacates Step 1: Agree with tenant on handover date (preferably few days before contract end). Step 2: Visit property together. Step 3: Inspect property condition: walls, floors, appliances, locks, plumbing. Step 4: Take final meter readings. Step 5: Verify all electricity and water bills are paid. Step 6: Ensure all keys and remote controls are returned. Step 7: Complete electronic handover form via Ejar within 7 days. Step 8: Refund deposit to tenant after deducting any damages. Step 9: Officially close the contract in Ejar. Scenario 2: Tenant Refuses to Vacate If contract has ended and tenant refuses to vacate (very rare with Ejar), steps are: Step 1: Send official notice via notary demanding vacation within 30 days. Step 2: If unresponsive, file execution request via Najiz. Choose "Other Rights" then "Property Eviction." Attach expired contract and legal notice. Step 3: Court issues eviction order with 30-day grace period. Step 4: If non-compliant, execution officer arrives with police and forcibly opens the property. Step 5: Official eviction record is drafted and property delivered to owner. Step 6: Tenant's belongings are stored with judicial custodian for two months. If unclaimed, sold at public auction with proceeds deposited in court account. Scenario 3: Property Has Major Damage If you discover major damages at receipt that didn't exist at contract start: Step 1: Don't sign the handover form without reservations. Step 2: Document all damages in form with photos in detail. Step 3: Compare with initial receipt form. Step 4: Calculate repair costs with official invoices. Step 5: If damages exceed deposit, file execution request via Najiz for the difference. Step 6: The receipt and handover forms will be your conclusive evidence in court, and the tenant cannot deny damages. Scenario 4: Tenant Left Without Payment If you discover the tenant vacated without notification or payment: Step 1: Take photos of property condition. Step 2: Record meter readings. Step 3: Login to Najiz and file two types of execution requests: (a) Financial claim for overdue rent. (b) Claim for outstanding electricity and water bills if owed. Step 4: Use the documented Ejar contract as direct executive bond. Step 5: Immediate execution measures will be taken: asset seizure, service suspension, travel ban. Thirteenth: Your Complete Rights as a Tenant Many talk about landlord rights, but tenants have equally substantial rights, and Ejar protects them rigorously. Rent Stability Rights The landlord cannot raise rent during contract period regardless of market price changes. Agreed rent in the contract is binding and constant throughout. In Riyadh specifically, a decision was issued freezing rental increases for 5 years until 2030. Full Utilization Rights You're entitled as a tenant to use all property amenities: parking, gyms, pools, health clubs, playgrounds, common gardens. The landlord cannot prevent you from any amenity, given the rent you pay. Maintenance Rights The landlord must pay regular maintenance costs to preserve the unit, and is responsible for maintenance affecting building safety. The tenant covers minor repairs like changing light bulbs and items damaged through daily use. Major plumbing and electrical issues are the landlord's responsibility. Protection from Arbitrary Eviction The landlord cannot evict you before contract end except in specific regulatory cases (non-payment, illegal use, major damage, unauthorized subleasing, illegal activities). Any arbitrary eviction attempt exposes the landlord to legal liability. Privacy Rights The landlord cannot enter the property during contract period without your prior permission, even though they own it. The property during rental period is essentially your private home. Deposit Refund Rights At contract end with property delivered in good condition, you're entitled to full deposit refund. If the landlord refuses without cause, you can claim it via Najiz. Fourteenth: Penalties for Violations Ejar isn't merely documentation; it's a deterrent system for anyone trying to violate regulations. Key penalties in 2026 include: Failure to Document in Ejar: Financial fines, case rejection in courts, difficulty proving residence to official entities like Citizen Account and Social Security. Modifying Commercial Contract Clauses: Loss of executive bond status, forcing aggrieved party to file lawsuits taking months. Practicing Without "FAL" License: Fines up to 200,000 Saudi Riyals, doubled upon repetition within 3 years. Fake Real Estate Advertisements: Fines up to 200,000 Saudi Riyals, license revocation, advertiser suspension up to one full year. Obstructing Judgment Execution: Government service suspension, travel ban, asset seizure, executive imprisonment, public defamation. Whistleblower Rewards: 20% of fine value for reporting violations (maximum 100,000 Saudi Riyals). Fifteenth: Golden Tips Before Signing Any Contract Before signing any rental contract, here are essential tips that will save you many problems later: For Tenants: Verify the broker's FAL license before dealing. Request a deed copy to confirm landlord ownership. Inspect property thoroughly and photograph every detail. Request Ejar documentation before paying any amount. Read terms and conditions carefully. Verify electricity and water meter readings. Keep copies of contract and receipt record. Pay through official channels for documented payments. Don't pay any cash without a receipt voucher. For Landlords: Verify tenant identity and financial capacity. Request guarantors for commercial contracts. Require deposit of at least two months. Document the contract immediately in Ejar. Activate electricity and water liability transfer service. Require payment via SADAD or mada. Fill the receipt form precisely with photos. Track payments monthly. Don't delay in sending notices upon late payments. For Everyone: Document every agreement in writing. Don't rely on verbal agreements. Keep copies of all correspondence. Consult a lawyer when needed. Remember that swift action preserves your rights. Sixteenth: How Raghdan Platform Helps You in the Ejar World? Raghdan Real Estate Platform, licensed by REGA, provides an integrated ecosystem complementing Ejar's work and making your real estate experience smoother: For Owners and Landlords Integrated property management system connecting you with certified maintenance providers. Automated WhatsApp alerts for rental due dates. Comprehensive accounting system issuing electronic ZATCA invoices. Detailed financial reports. Manage your buildings and apartments from one place. Find documented tenants through thousands of active listings. For Real Estate Marketers Raghdan provides a professional platform for FAL-licensed marketers, with advanced AI tools, quality advertising system, paid marketing campaigns, and a dashboard fully tracking your performance. For Property Seekers Over 200,000 registered users, thousands of documented listings, smart search system, custom property request feature, virtual office for each marketer, and support in 4 languages. Integration with Ejar Raghdan's integration with Ejar ensures all contracts are seamlessly documented through certified brokerage offices, with complete contract lifecycle tracking from advertising to documentation to payment to eviction. Conclusion: Your Electronic Contract is Your Legal Fortress Ejar in 2026 isn't optional; it's a legal and practical necessity. It transforms your contract from mere paper into an executive bond with extraordinary legal power, connects you with a complete network of government entities, protects your rights from violation, and grants you speed, transparency, and efficiency. Whether you're a tenant seeking a safe home, an owner protecting their investment, or a real estate broker building reputation, Ejar is the tool protecting your future and ensuring your rights. With Raghdan Real Estate Platform alongside, the ecosystem completes to provide an integrated real estate experience from advertising to final handover. Saudi law has made tremendous strides in regulating rental relationships, and now the field is fair for everyone. All you need is to follow correct steps, document everything, and utilize available electronic tools. Your rights are preserved, and your real estate future is secured. 💎 Golden Summary: Documented residential contract = executive bond even with additional terms | Documented commercial contract = executive bond only without modifications | Pay via SADAD code 153 | Execution in 5 days financial / 30 days eviction | Receipt and handover mandatory within 7 days | Free smart electricity transfer.

Tags: Ejar Platform, Residential Lease Contract, Commercial Lease Contract, Executive Bond, Execution Court, Najiz, SADAD Payment, Liability Transfer, Property Eviction, Handover, Ministry of Housing, REGA, Landlord Rights, Tenant Rights, Raghdan Platform