Electronic Lease Contracts Issues 2026: Landlord Eviction Rights & Tenant Protection
Did you know that an "Electronic Lease Contract" is considered by law as a binding "Executive Deed"? This means any violation of its terms could lead you directly to the "Enforcement Court" and suspension of services without the need for lengthy trials. However, real estate disputes in Saudi Arabia still fill the courts due to a lack of understanding by both parties (Landlord and Tenant) regarding their responsibilities, especially concerning eviction and maintenance.
In this practical guide from Mahmoud Alshangiti Jeddah Lawyer, we reveal the blind spots in "Ejar" contracts and answer the most critical question: When can a tenant be evicted by force of law? And how can a landlord avoid losing their rights?
First: The Power of the Electronic Contract (Executive Deed)
The biggest change brought by the "Ejar" network is transforming the contract from a mere ordinary document into an Executive Deed.
- For the Landlord: If the tenant delays payment, you can go directly to the Enforcement Court to compel payment or eviction (without filing a general lawsuit).
- For the Tenant: If the landlord delays handing over the property or refuses necessary maintenance, you can terminate the contract and recover amounts via enforcement.
Second: When Can the Landlord Demand Eviction? (Legal Cases)
A landlord cannot evict a tenant "arbitrarily" before the contract ends. The law specifies exclusive cases allowing contract termination and immediate eviction, detailed in the following table:
| Violation | Legal Action (Consequence) |
|---|---|
| Non-Payment of Rent | Landlord can request financial enforcement and eviction after 15 days from the due date (or as agreed). |
| Subletting | If the tenant rents the property to a third party without written consent, the contract is terminated and eviction is immediate. |
| Change of Property Use | Using a residential property for commercial activity (or vice versa) or for illegal purposes warrants eviction. |
| Structural Changes | Demolishing walls or making structural changes threatening building safety without owner permission. |
Third: Tenant Rights (How to Protect Yourself?)
As a tenant, the system guarantees you rights that you must uphold when signing the electronic contract:
- Essential Maintenance: The owner is obligated to fix any defect affecting usability (e.g., water leaks in walls, elevator breakdown, central AC).
- Security Deposit Refund: The deposit value and refund conditions must be explicitly stated. You have the right to claim it upon handover if there are no damages.
- No Rent Increase: The landlord cannot raise the rent during the contract term. Increases happen only at "Renewal" and you must be notified 60 days prior (or as agreed).
💡 Investment Tip: If you are a resident suffering from rising rents, it might be time to consider buying. Check our detailed guide on Real Estate Ownership for Non-Saudis to explore available opportunities.
Fourth: Common Issues in "Ejar" Platform
Parties sometimes face technical and legal obstacles, most notably:
- Contract Non-Acceptance: Leaving the contract "Pending" without tenant acceptance renders it unenforceable as an executive deed.
- Automatic Contract Renewal: Pay attention to the "Auto-Renewal" clause. If you don't notify the landlord of your desire not to renew before the deadline, the contract renews, and you are liable for a new year.
- Contract Cancellation: A landlord cannot unilaterally cancel the contract on the platform without a court order or mutual consent.
Do you have a real estate dispute or a stalling tenant?
Don't waste time on amicable attempts that might forfeit your rights. Let the Real Estate experts at Mahmoud Alshangiti Law Firm handle enforcement and eviction procedures for you by force of law.