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Rental nightmares in Saudi Arabia

Hello everyone,

Finding a place to live in Saudi Arabia can be exciting, but it doesn’t always go as planned. From misleading listings and apartments that look nothing like the photos to strange landlords, hidden rules, unexpected roommates, or issues that only become apparent after moving in, expats can end up with some unforgettable stories.
If you have ever had a rental experience in Saudi Arabia that went wrong, or simply a story you’ll never forget, we would love to hear about it:

Have you ever arrived at a rental that was completely different from the listing?

What is the strangest or most surprising thing you have discovered in a rental property?

Have you ever had to leave a place because it felt unsafe or unlivable?

Did you deal with pests, noisy neighbors, strange building rules, or difficult landlords?

What warning signs should newcomers watch out for before renting in Saudi Arabia?

What advice would you give other expats to avoid rental disasters?

Share your insights to help fellow expats and soon-to-be expats.

Thanks,

Cheryl
Expat.com Team
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@Cheryl

One thing I learned from renting in Saudi Arabia is that pictures can sometimes be very different from reality! I once visited a property that looked excellent online, but when I saw it in person, the apartment was much smaller and needed quite a lot of maintenance. There were also a few issues that were not mentioned in the listing.


My advice to newcomers is simple: never rent a place without visiting it first. Check the water, electricity, AC, maintenance, parking and surroundings, and make sure all charges and conditions are clearly mentioned in the contract. Taking a little extra time before signing can save you a lot of trouble later

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