Short Term Tenancy Agreement Template for Saudi Arabia

What is a Short Term Tenancy Agreement?

The Short Term Tenancy Agreement is essential for formalizing temporary rental arrangements in Saudi Arabia, typically used for periods of less than one year. This document is mandatory under Saudi law and must be registered through the Ejar electronic platform. It provides a comprehensive framework for both residential and commercial short-term leases, incorporating all necessary elements required by Saudi Tenancy Law and related regulations. The agreement is particularly relevant for temporary corporate housing, seasonal rentals, and short-term commercial space needs. It includes specific provisions for rent payment, maintenance obligations, utility responsibilities, and security deposit arrangements, while ensuring compliance with local legal requirements and Sharia principles. Regular updates to Saudi real estate regulations make it essential to use current versions of this agreement type.

About the Short Term Tenancy Agreement

A Short Term Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding contract that establishes the terms and conditions for rental arrangements lasting less than one year in Saudi Arabia. This document is mandatory under Saudi law and serves as your primary protection in temporary rental relationships, whether you're a landlord seeking to rent out property or a tenant looking for short-term accommodation.

When do you need this document?

You'll require a Short Term Tenancy Agreement whenever you're entering into a rental arrangement for periods under 12 months. This includes corporate housing for business trips, seasonal rentals during holidays, temporary accommodation for work assignments, short-term commercial spaces for pop-up businesses, and furnished apartment rentals for visitors. The agreement is essential for both residential and commercial properties, providing legal clarity and protection for all parties involved.

Key legal considerations

Your agreement must include comprehensive property details, clear rent payment terms, and specific maintenance responsibilities for both parties. Security deposit provisions should comply with Saudi regulations, typically not exceeding two months' rent for residential properties. The contract must specify utility payment responsibilities, early termination conditions, and any restrictions on property use. Insurance requirements should be clearly defined, including who maintains property insurance and any required tenant liability coverage. All terms must align with Sharia principles and cannot include provisions that violate Islamic law, such as interest-based penalties or prohibited contract conditions.

Legal requirements in Saudi Arabia

Under the Saudi Tenancy Law (2014), all rental agreements must be registered through the Ejar electronic platform within 60 days of signing. Your contract must include full identification details for all parties, including Saudi ID numbers for individuals and Commercial Registration numbers for businesses. The agreement requires witnesses and proper notarization according to Saudi legal standards. Rent increases during the term are strictly regulated and cannot exceed prescribed limits. The contract must specify the exact rental period, payment schedule, and any renewal terms. Additionally, the agreement must comply with Real Estate General Authority regulations regarding property standards and maintenance obligations, ensuring the property meets all safety and habitability requirements under Saudi law.