Saudi Arabia has imposed a five-year freeze on rent increases in Riyadh, covering both residential and commercial properties, as part of a major effort to curb surging housing costs and protect tenants, Saudi Gazette reported.
The measures, enacted by royal decree and approved by the Council of Ministers, follow directives from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. They bar landlords from raising rents in new or existing contracts until at least 2030, within the capital’s urban boundary.
Vacant properties will be priced at the level of the most recent registered lease, while units that have never been rented can be freely negotiated between landlords and tenants. All contracts must be filed through the government’s “Ejar” platform, which includes a 60-day window for objections before terms are considered binding.
The rules also set strict conditions on renewals. In Riyadh, landlords cannot refuse to extend a lease if tenants wish to stay, except in cases of non-payment, major safety concerns, or if the property is required for the landlord or a close relative. Automatic renewals will apply nationwide unless notice is given 60 days before expiry.
Violations will carry fines of up to 12 months’ rent, with whistleblowers eligible for a 20 percent share of penalties collected. Limited exceptions will allow landlords to appeal, such as after major renovations or when a lease predates 2024.
Officials said the Real Estate General Authority will monitor rent levels, enforce compliance, and provide regular reports to the Crown Prince. The goal, they added, is to bring transparency to the market and strengthen Riyadh’s urban development plans.
“This is about restoring balance and fairness,” one official said. “Tenants should feel secure, and landlords should operate under clear, transparent rules.”
The framework could later be extended to other Saudi cities, underscoring the government’s push to regulate housing costs and safeguard quality of life as the Kingdom undergoes rapid growth.
