Egypt’s Ministry of Housing has announced the start of official steps to implement the new “old rent” law, with a focus on Article 8, which defines the rights and responsibilities between landlords and tenants. The ministry says the move will be handled in a way that is fair to all parties and will provide alternative housing solutions for those affected.
Engineer Amr Khattab, spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, explained that the process will be supervised by the Social Housing and Mortgage Finance Fund to ensure proper organisation across the country. He noted that Minister Sherif El-Sherbiny had confirmed that these measures are part of a larger plan to modernise the rental housing system in Egypt, making it more efficient and balanced.
According to Khattab, one of the main steps will be the launch of a new electronic platform later this year. This platform will allow the ministry to identify and register eligible tenants based on the provisions of the new law. The most important category includes original tenants or those whose contracts were extended before the law took effect. These tenants will have a transition period of six years, as stated in the legislation.
Khattab stressed that any tenant who wishes to benefit from this arrangement must submit their application at least one year before the end of the seven-year period stated in the law. This is to give the authorities enough time to review the applications, verify the information, and make proper housing arrangements.
He also revealed that priority will be given to original tenants and those with extended contracts, whether they live in rental properties or own their homes. The electronic platform will manage all applications, and the ministry will use it to ensure that the process is transparent and organised. The platform will also allow officials to match housing needs with available units based on geographic location, which Khattab said would help prevent mismatches and delays.
The ministry is expected to publish the full criteria for eligibility in the coming days. These criteria will define who qualifies for the alternative housing units, how applications will be processed, and what documents will be required.
The “old rent” law has been a long-standing issue in Egypt, with many landlords arguing that the fixed and outdated rents set decades ago no longer reflect the current market value. On the other hand, tenants have often resisted changes, fearing they could lose affordable housing or face rent hikes they cannot afford.
By introducing Article 8 and creating a structured process for alternative housing, the government aims to reduce disputes between landlords and tenants, while also upgrading the housing sector. The Social Housing and Mortgage Finance Fund’s involvement is meant to ensure that vulnerable groups are not left without a roof over their heads.
Housing experts say the electronic platform could be a game changer for Egypt’s rental system if it is implemented efficiently. It will not only provide a database of eligible tenants but also help the government plan better housing policies in the future.
For now, the ministry is urging all concerned tenants to prepare their documents ahead of the platform’s launch and to pay close attention to the announced criteria. By doing so, they can secure their place in the allocation process and avoid last-minute issues.
The new old rent law, and particularly Article 8, is expected to reshape Egypt’s housing landscape in the coming years. While some challenges may arise during its implementation, authorities believe the structured approach will help balance the interests of landlords and tenants, improve housing quality, and promote fairness in the real estate sector.
