Riyadh landlords banned from subletting for full year after vacating for personal use

RIYADH — The Ejar platform, affiliated with the Real Estate General Authority (REGA), has prohibited residential property owners in Riyadh from subletting their properties for a period of 365 days. It has also mandated a freeze on subletting during this period if the property is vacated by the tenant at the owner’s request for personal use or for the use of a first-degree relative. According to the regulations, if the owner intends to use the residential unit for themselves or for a first-degree relative, they must notify the tenant of their decision not to renew the lease at least 365 days prior to its expiration. If the remaining term of the lease is less than one year, the lease will automatically be extended to enable the tenant to complete the full 365-day period from the date of notification. This grace period is intended to provide tenants with sufficient time to secure alternative accommodation. Once the notice period has elapsed and the unit has been vacated, a new 365-day freeze period will commence, during which the property may not be rented out again. Previously, Abdullah Al-Hammad, CEO of REGA, approved the extension of the notice period, requiring landlords to give tenants a full year’s notice prior to the expiration of standard residential leases if the eviction is for personal use, specifically for properties located in Riyadh.

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