The rental prices in areas popular with expats in Saudi Arabia can vary greatly depending on the location and type of property. In major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, a one-bedroom apartment can range from SAR 3,000 to SAR 10,000 ($800 to $2,666) per month. A three-bedroom apartment in these cities can cost anywhere from SAR 6,000 to SAR 20,000 ($1,600 to $5,333) per month.
In other cities such as Dammam, Al Khobar, and Dhahran, rental prices tend to be lower compared to Riyadh and Jeddah. A one-bedroom apartment in these cities can cost around SAR 2,500 to SAR 5,000 ($666 to $1,333) per month. A three-bedroom apartment can cost around SAR 4,000 to SAR 10,000 ($1,066 to $2,666) per month.
It’s important to note that these are rough estimates and actual prices can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size, location, and quality of the property.
Rental Caps in Saudi Arabia
There are no rental caps in place in Saudi Arabia, which means landlords are free to set their own rental prices without any legal restrictions. However, it’s worth noting that the Ministry of Housing does regulate rental increases and has the power to intervene if a landlord is found to be charging excessively high rental rates.
Deposit and Rules for Return
When renting a property in Saudi Arabia, tenants typically have to pay a deposit of two to three months’ rent. This deposit is held by the landlord as security for any damages or unpaid rent at the end of the tenancy.
At the end of the tenancy, the deposit should be returned to the tenant provided there are no damages to the property or unpaid rent. The landlord has the right to deduct any necessary repairs or costs from the deposit, but must provide proof of these expenses to the tenant.
If the tenant and landlord cannot agree on the return of the deposit, the matter can be taken to the courts for resolution.
Price and Availability Changes
The price and availability of rentals in Saudi Arabia can change at different times of year, but these changes are not as significant as in other countries. The most notable changes tend to occur during the summer months when many expats return to their home countries for extended periods of time. During this time, rental prices may decrease slightly as the demand for properties decreases.
However, rental prices in popular expat areas in Saudi Arabia generally remain stable throughout the year and do not experience significant fluctuations. The availability of rentals may also remain relatively constant, although it may be slightly more difficult to find a suitable property during the summer months when demand is lower.
