In an important legal step, the Housing Committee of the Egyptian House of Representatives, in coordination with the Local Administration and Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committees, approved a new bill aimed at amending the provisions of the Old Rent Law. This amendment responds to current economic and social challenges and seeks to provide a balanced legal framework protecting the rights of both landlords and tenants.

Purpose of the New Law
The draft law aims to achieve a fair balance between the interests of both parties amid rapid economic developments affecting the real estate market. The law seeks to protect landlords from long-term losses while ensuring tenants’ social and housing rights within clear and defined regulations.

Contract Duration
The law states that residential lease contracts expire seven years after the contract’s effective date. Commercial or office lease contracts, rented by individuals, are limited to five years, with the possibility for both parties to agree to terminate the contract earlier.

Conditions for Reclaiming the Residential Unit
The law grants landlords the right to reclaim their residential unit immediately upon contract expiration or in two special cases that allow eviction before the term ends:
If the tenant leaves the unit closed and unused for more than one full year without a valid reason, thus preventing the landlord from using the property.
If the tenant or the contract holder owns another unit suitable for the same purpose, which entitles the landlord to request eviction of the current unit.
In these cases, landlords can directly approach the summary courts (temporary matters judge) to issue a quick eviction order without going through lengthy and complicated judicial procedures.

Formation of Specialized Committees to Classify Residential Areas
The law includes the formation of specialized committees under the supervision of governors, tasked with classifying areas with rented units into three main categories: premium, medium, and economic. Classification is based on several objective criteria, including:
Geographic location
Construction quality and type
Level of services available (water, electricity, sewage)
Accessibility and presence of public transport networks

These committees work for three months, with a possibility of a one-time extension by a decision of the Prime Minister. The classification results are published in the official gazette ("Al-Waqa’i’ Al-Masriyya") and announced in the relevant local administrative offices to ensure transparency and full awareness.

Impact of the Law on the Rental Market
The new law is expected to better regulate the rental market, enhancing legal and social stability in this vital sector. It is also anticipated to reduce disputes between landlords and tenants, creating a fairer environment that preserves the rights of all parties and keeps pace with the country’s economic and social developments.