Not every resident needs a year-long lease straight away. New arrivals often want somewhere for their first month, families between homes need a gap, and relatives visiting for weeks need space of their own. Short-term rentals can fill these gaps, but the rules differ depending on how the unit is offered.
This guide explains the difference between licensed holiday-style units and ordinary leases, and how to book safely. We don’t quote prices or name platforms.
Quick answer
Short answer: In Medina, furnished units rented daily to visitors must hold a Ministry of Tourism permit as private tourist accommodation. If you’re renting for a month or longer as a resident, a residential lease registered on Ejar is the usual route. Check the unit’s licence or the lease, view it if you can, and pay only through traceable channels.
Two different kinds of short stay
Short stays in Medina usually fall into one of two categories.
| Private tourist accommodation | Residential lease | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Daily or short stays for visitors | Monthly or longer for residents |
| Who regulates | Ministry of Tourism | REGA, through Ejar |
| Proof to check | Ministry of Tourism permit | Ejar-registered contract |
| Furnishing | Furnished by definition | Furnished or unfurnished |
What the Ministry of Tourism rules say
The Ministry of Tourism’s Regulations for Private Tourist Accommodation Facility define such a facility as an independent furnished unit, owned by an individual and licensed by the ministry, that provides accommodation to a tourist for a fee (Ministry of Tourism).
Private tourist accommodation rules (Ministry of Tourism)
- Permit required: the activity may not be practised without a permit, or after it expires or is cancelled.
- Location: the unit must be in a property designated for residential use.
- Permit holders: must be Saudi nationals, with proof of ownership or a lease.
- Limit: no more than 3 permits on the same property for one permit holder.
For you as a guest, the practical point is simple: a daily-rental unit should be licensed. Ask the host or platform to confirm the permit before you book.
Monthly stays as a resident
If you’re living in Medina and need a home for a month or more, a residential lease is the normal route. REGA’s statutory provisions require the landlord to apply to register leases on Ejar, and the tenant may also request registration (REGA). The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing says standard contracts on Ejar are treated as enforceable instruments (MoMAH).
Shorter-term leases still benefit from registration, because it records the rent, dates and payment schedule if anything goes wrong.
Warning
Be cautious of “monthly” offers paid in cash with no permit and no Ejar contract. If there’s a dispute, you’ll have little to rely on.
When short-term rentals make sense
- Your first month in Medina: time to learn neighborhoods before signing a long lease.
- Between homes: if your new flat isn’t ready.
- Visiting family: relatives staying for Ramadan or the summer.
- Renovations: while repairs are done at home.
Our first-month checklist and neighborhoods guide help you use that first month well.
Booking safely
Before you book a short stay
1
Decide which type you need: daily visitor stay or monthly lease.
2
Check the proof: a Ministry of Tourism permit, or an Ejar contract.
3
Check any property advert: on REGA’s ad licence inquiry if it’s a lease.
4
View it or get a live video: don’t rely on photos alone.
5
Pay traceably: never send cash deposits to someone you can’t verify.
What to confirm in writing
- Exact dates and total price
- What’s included: utilities, internet, cleaning
- Check-in and check-out arrangements
- Deposit amount and refund terms
- Who to call for air-conditioning or plumbing problems
Peak seasons
Short stays near the Prophet’s Mosque are in high demand in Ramadan and around the Hajj and Umrah peaks. If you need a short-term home in those months, book well ahead, and expect the central area to be busy. Our Ramadan guide explains what changes.
Tip
If relatives are visiting for several weeks, a monthly lease in a quieter district with good bus links can be calmer than a central daily rental.
FAQ
Do short-term rentals in Medina need a licence?
Furnished units rented to tourists as private tourist accommodation need a Ministry of Tourism permit, according to its regulations.
Can I rent a flat for one month in Medina?
Yes. For a resident, a residential lease registered on Ejar is the usual route for monthly stays.
Is it safe to pay cash for a short stay?
It’s risky. Use traceable payment and check the permit or Ejar contract first.
Last checked: 21 October 2026. No prices or platforms are named.
Sources
- https://cdn.mt.gov.sa/mtportal/mt-fe-production/content/policies-regulations/documents/tourism-regulations/Private-Hospitality-Facility-Regulations-En-V012.pdf
- 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://rega.gov.sa/en/rega-services/real-estate-enquiries/inquiry-about-real-estate-advertisement-license/
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