Engineer Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, confirmed that the draft law on old rental agreements aims to resolve longstanding issues that have persisted for over forty years, while safeguarding the rights of both landlords and tenants. The law seeks to establish a fair balance between the two parties, with a particular focus on the social circumstances of the tenants. There are approximately 3 million rented units in Egypt, housing over 1.6 million families, which necessitates regulation of the landlord-tenant relationship.
The Minister noted that governors’ committees will conduct comprehensive surveys to determine the eligibility criteria for alternative housing, affirming the state’s commitment that no tenant will be evicted without a suitable alternative being provided. The ministry will offer alternative housing units and land plots, in addition to launching accessible mortgage financing programs.
El-Sherbiny also explained that the new law grants tenants the option to either purchase their units or continue renting them. It also allows for the extension of rental contracts to facilitate developmental projects. As for commercial units, it is expected that most cases will be resolved amicably between landlords and tenants after the rent value is liberalized.