Translated from Arabic.
As a rule, a lease is binding on both parties for its entire term. This is what the Civil Transactions Law provides in obliging the landlord to enable the tenant to use the property and not to interfere with him. Therefore, as a general rule, the landlord is not entitled to terminate the contract unilaterally before its term ends as long as the tenant is paying and complying with the terms of the contract, unless the contract contains an express clause allowing this, subject to its conditions, or the two parties agree on early vacation, in which case the tenant is entitled to negotiate compensation or a rent waiver.
The landlord's need for the flat for one of his sons is not in itself enough to end the contract before its term, but it may be a legitimate reason not to renew at expiry, provided the notice period stipulated in the unified contract registered on Ejar is observed. Note that recent regulations have been issued in some cities, including Riyadh, concerning controls on rent increases and contract renewals, so it is advisable to check the provisions in force at the time of the dispute.
If the contract ends and the landlord has given you proper notice of non-renewal, you must hand over the property. If you refuse, he may apply to the Enforcement Court for eviction, since a registered lease is an enforceable instrument, and you may be ordered to pay rent for the extra period.
The threat to cut off the electricity, change the locks or remove the furniture is unlawful conduct, as the landlord may not take the law into his own hands, and you are entitled to claim compensation for any harm.
Suggested practical steps:
1. Keep a copy of the contract from Ejar, proof of payment and the messages exchanged.
2. Reply to the landlord in writing, stating that you will hold to the contract until the end of its term.
3. Try an amicable solution; you can use the settlement services on the Taradhi platform.
4. If actual interference occurs, such as cutting off services, file a claim through Najiz before the competent court seeking an order to stop the interference and compensation. You can also report to the security authorities if your home is interfered with.
The outcome varies depending on the contract terms, the facts and the local regulations in force, and cannot be guaranteed in advance. The KSA Lawyers team therefore recommends consulting a lawyer specialising in rental disputes to review your documents before taking any action.