Developments in the old rent law are of great interest to the public, as Member of Parliament Ahmed Al-Sigini, Chairman of the Local Administration Committee in the House of Representatives, highlighted that statistics from the 2017 census revealed that 58% of units under the old rent law are occupied, while 42% are distributed between closed residential units, commercial properties, and storage spaces. In a recent statement, Al-Sigini suggested that the percentage of occupied units may have now declined to 50%.
He emphasized the need for any amendments to the law to strike a fair balance that safeguards the rights of property owners. He also called for the return of commercial, administrative, and closed residential units to their rightful owners, affirming that property ownership is protected by both the constitution and religious principles.
The Chairman of the Local Administration Committee in Parliament pointed out that 50% of the properties under old rent contracts involve closed apartments and storage units. He noted that comparing the rental values of different property types is unfair. Furthermore, he stressed that any changes to the rental system must align with the rulings of the Constitutional Court. Al-Sigini insisted that rent determinations should be based on key factors such as the property’s area, location, and the date of the rental contract, rather than being dictated by the provisions of the proposed government law.