Engineer Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, stated that 50% of residential units under the old rent system are currently unoccupied. This, he emphasized, makes them a priority for the state to address under the law recently passed by the House of Representatives. He further clarified that the financial support provided to tenants under this system would not be sufficient compared to offering them alternative housing units.
In an interview on the “Al-Hayah Al-Youm” program with broadcaster Mohamed Mostafa Sherdy, which airs on Al-Hayah TV channel, the Minister of Housing revealed that a digital platform will soon be launched to register tenants’ information and study their cases.
The aim is to deliver targeted and effective support. He stressed that tenants who comply with the rent increases stipulated in the amendments to the old rent law will retain their right to remain in their occupied housing units.
The minister also explained that specialized committees will be formed to determine fair rental values in order to create a balanced relationship between landlords and tenants following the implementation of the revised old rent law. These committees will evaluate old rent properties by studying factors such as the location, size, and age of buildings. Moreover, the alternative units to be offered to tenants will be tailored to suit various living standards.