Leaving Madinah, whether for a new job, a move home or another city, comes with its own paperwork. The lease and utilities are where most avoidable costs come from: a missed notice date, an unpaid final bill or a dispute over the handover.
This checklist focuses on your home. Residency and exit visas are handled through your employer and Absher, and we point you there rather than repeat rules that change.
Quick answer
Short answer: Check your Ejar lease end date first. REGA’s rules say contracts renew automatically unless either party gives notice at least 60 days before the end date. Give notice in time, agree the handover in writing, take dated photos, settle and close electricity and water accounts, then sort exit paperwork with your employer and Absher.
Step 1: Check your notice date
Under REGA’s statutory provisions, a lease contract renews automatically unless either party notifies the other of its intention not to renew at least 60 days before the end of the term (REGA). Contracts can set different terms, so read yours.
If you need to leave before the end date, talk to your landlord early and agree the terms in writing. Read the termination clauses in your contract before you make plans.
Lease rules to know (REGA)
- Auto-renewal: contracts renew unless notice is given at least 60 days before the end date.
- Ejar registration: leases are documented on Ejar, the national rental network.
- Early exit: depends on your contract and any agreement with the landlord.
Step 2: Plan the handover
The handover is where deposit disputes start. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing says Ejar offers electronic services around the contract, including handover (MoMAH). Use them where you can, and keep your own record too.
Handover checklist
- Agree a handover date and time in writing
- Clean the home and fix damage you’re responsible for
- Take dated photos and videos of every room
- Compare against your move-in photos or inventory
- Hand back all keys and access cards, and get written confirmation
Step 3: Close your utilities
Read the electricity meter on your last day and photograph it. The Saudi Electricity Company manages account registration and changes through its official services (SEC). Settle the final bill and make sure the account is closed or moved out of your name.
Do the same for water, and for internet and mobile contracts. Check each provider’s notice period; some contracts charge if you cancel early.
Warning
Don’t leave with unpaid bills or fines. Unpaid amounts can block exit procedures and cause problems if you return to Saudi Arabia later.
Step 4: Update your address and accounts
Update or remove your National Address so post and deliveries don’t go to the old home. Tell your bank, school and any subscriptions where to reach you.
Step 5: Residency and exit paperwork
Final exit procedures for workers are handled by the employer, and for dependents by the sponsor through Absher. Conditions can change, so check them in Absher or with HR before you book flights, and settle any outstanding fines first.
| Task | Who | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Lease notice and handover | You and the landlord | Ejar and written agreement |
| Electricity account | You (account holder) | Saudi Electricity Company |
| Worker’s exit paperwork | Employer | Employer’s government platforms |
| Dependents’ exit paperwork | Sponsor | Absher |
Your leaving timeline
1
Three months before: check your lease end date and notice terms.
2
At least 60 days before: give written notice if you won’t renew.
3
One month before: confirm exit steps with HR and Absher.
4
Last week: handover, meter photos and final bills.
5
After you leave: confirm accounts are closed and deposits returned.
Tip
Keep a folder with your lease, handover photos, final bills and deposit receipts for at least a year after you leave.
FAQ
How much notice do I need to give on a lease in Madinah?
REGA’s rules say a contract renews automatically unless notice is given at least 60 days before the end date. Check your own contract too.
How do I close my electricity account?
Settle the final bill and use the Saudi Electricity Company’s official account services to close or transfer it.
Who arranges the final exit visa?
For workers, usually the employer; for dependents, the sponsor through Absher. Check current conditions there.
Last checked 13 October 2026.
Sources
- https://rega.gov.sa/en/laws-and-decisions/regulations-and-by-laws/rules/statutory-provisions-regulating-the-relationship-between-the-lessor-and-the-lessee/
- https://momah.gov.sa/en/news/ejar-standardized-contracts-and
- https://www.se.com.sa/en/ourservices/columnb/account-management/account-registration/
- https://www.absher.sa/wps/wcm/connect/individuals/contents/individuals/about+absher_en
- https://splonline.com.sa/en/national-address-1/
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