If you consider the right steps, renewing your tenancy in Saudi Arabia should not be difficult. Thanks to platforms like Ejar, which have enabled quite efficient management of the rental agreements editing, the situation where renewing rental contracts has to strain either landlords or tenants is over.
This guide will explain how to renew a rental contract in Saudi Arabia, beginning from what Ejar is to the obligations of the parties to the agreement.
In Saudi Arabia, Ejar has made the renewal of rental agreements easy.
What is Ejar?
Ejar is a web-based service launched by the Ministry of Housing in Saudi Arabia that helps to facilitate the management of the rental market, making it safe and transparent for the owners of the properties and the individuals who wish to rent them.
Ejar is designed fully to address however many aspects of rental relationship there are, including agreements, disagreements, and the renewal of existing agreements. With Ejar, both tenants and landlords can develop new contract terms or simply update the existing ones with ease.
Standard Tenancy Contract
The standard tenancy contract in Saudi Arabia encompasses the periods that are to be paid, the time duration of the lease, and the duties of every party that is part of the agreement. This is an important form that should be able to be renewed since both parties are willing to carry on with the agreement.
Rental Contract Renewal
When your tenancy tenure is nearing its end, it has to be extended for you to still be able to reside on the property. Performing some tasks these days is considerably made easier due to the Ejar platform, enabling contract management to be performed by the tenants and landlords ord at ease without hassle.
Automatic Renewal Rental
Automatic Renewal Rental agreements in certain instances in Saudi Arabia are renewed automatically if neither of the two parties terminates the agreement before the lease ends. This automatic renewal is usually incorporated into the clause, so it is advisable to peruse the agreement to avoid panic later on.
Steps Involved in the Rental Contract Renewal Process
Here's a step-by-step guideline to assist you in the rental contract renewal in Saudi Arabia.
Step 1: Read Your Existing Tenancy Agreement
Before you go ahead with the renewal, have a look at your existing tenancy agreement. Check the clauses on rent pricing, expiration of the contract, as well as any related to the renewal process. This step avoids instances where one ends up not being informed on changes or renewals that are automatic.
Step 2: Speak to your Landlord
The moment you have gone through the tenancy document, speak to your landlord to find out if they are still interested in extending the contract. A renewal cannot be ultimately accomplished without both parties consenting to the renewal conditions.
Step 3: Complete Rent Negotiations and Rent Terms
There may be times when the rent may be changed during the process of renewal. In Saudi Arabia, there have always been some ups and downs with the rental prices and that is why it is a good idea to check whether your landlord will be cooperative in this matter. Also, you may need to modify certain terms from your lease so that both parties are able to reach an amicable agreement with the revamped terms and conditions.
Step 4: Go Through the Ministry of Housing’s Ejar System
When the two contracting parties complete their negotiations and resolve all issues, you can proceed to the Ejar system for contract renewal. It is common for the landlord to be the first to have the contract renewed on the platform. As a tenant, however, you would have to accept the terms for renewal of the renewal and new contract via your Ejar account.
Step 5: Have All Required Documentation Ready
Make sure that you have every single document that is related to the renewal and that includes your ID documents as well as paperwork from the previous contract. The Ejar platform will intelligence both parties with requirements to provide updated documents in relation to the tenant ID, landlord ownership, and the type of property in question.
Step 6: Pay the Fees for Renewal
Payment of fees for renewal is important in the process of engaging in a tenancy agreement. These terms are typically specified in the Ejar contract; both parties should reach a consensus regarding these terms. Payments may consist of rent, maintenance fee, and other related fee as agreed upon. Upon completion of the payment, the system will modify the contract so that it evidences the new position.
Step 7: Re-register and Extend the Utilities Available
With the renewal of the tenancy contract, then other utility services including electricity, water, and internet services must also be ensured and confirmed in relation to the new period. These services must be renewed and confirmed to avoid any interruptions, in accordance with the updated tenancy period.
Tenants’ Rights and Obligations
As a tenant in Saudi Arabia, there are rights provided to you while there are also obligations that must be adhered to during the period of tenancy. The following are some of the important obligations:
Right to a habitable space: It is the responsibility of the landlord that the tenant is provided with an appropriate space having essential services like water, electricity, etc
Obligation to pay rent: Tenants must fully comply with their obligation for rent payment within the time frames and rules set in the tenancy contract.
Obligation to other persons and the property: The property and the neighborhood must be treated with respect and care by the tenants.
Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords also have responsibilities to uphold, including:
Maintenance of Property: Landlords must maintain the property and ensure that it meets the minimum standards for habitability.
Honoring the Tenancy Agreement: The landlord must respect the terms of the tenancy agreement, including rent amount, contract duration, and maintenance obligations.
Respect Tenant Privacy: Landlords must give tenants privacy and avoid unauthorized entry into the property.
Reasons That Cause Disputes in the Rental Contract
Many a time, the disputes, that are present in the tenancy documentation, tend to escalate into say:
Late Rent Payments: Strikes can arise over issues related to payment – particularly in cases where the payment was overdue or not made at all.
Failure to Maintain the Property: If the landlord makes no reasonable effort to maintain the property in question, there is no doubt that the tenant will complain.
Miscommunication: Tenants and landlords not communicating on essentials such as increasing rent or changing the terms of the lease would always lead to confusion and complaints.
Final Thoughts
When the proper procedures are followed, renewing your tenancy in Saudi Arabia via the Ejar system is convenient, straightforward, and devoid of any complexities. It is on the basis of clear communication, knowledge of one’s rights and responsibilities, and having the right documents that the renewal of the lease is made easy for both tenants and landlords. By making sure the duties of both parties are performed, the process of renewing the tenancy will be simple, and the relationship between the landlord and tenant will be pleasant. If you need any further assistance in your property journey, you can contact Sotheby's Saudi Arabia.
