قانون الإيجار القديم: The Old Rent Law in Egypt

Qanun al-Ijar al-Qadim, or the Old Rent Law, refers to a series of rent control laws in Egypt that were enacted over decades, primarily during the mid-20th century under Gamal Abdel Nasser’s socialist policies. These laws, designed to provide affordable housing, have created a complex and often contentious situation for landlords and tenants.

The core principle of the Old Rent Law is the establishment of extremely low and fixed rental rates for residential and commercial properties. These rents, often set decades ago, are significantly below market value, sometimes only a tiny fraction of what comparable properties would command in today’s market. This discrepancy is the source of much conflict.

Furthermore, the law grants tenants near-permanent tenure. Tenants under the Old Rent Law have a strong right to remain in the property indefinitely, even passing the tenancy down to their children and grandchildren. Evicting a tenant is extremely difficult and often legally impossible, even for non-payment of the negligible rent.

The consequences of the Old Rent Law are far-reaching. Landlords often find themselves unable to maintain their properties adequately, as the rental income is insufficient to cover even basic repairs. Many buildings have fallen into disrepair, contributing to the deterioration of certain neighborhoods, particularly in Cairo.

The law has also created a distorted real estate market. The extremely low rents act as a disincentive for investment in new housing, leading to a shortage of affordable housing options for those who do not benefit from the old system. It has also created a black market, where tenants may sublet their properties at market rates, profiting from a system designed to protect the vulnerable.

Over the years, there have been attempts to reform the Old Rent Law. Some amendments have been introduced, primarily targeting commercial properties, aiming to gradually increase rents and limit tenancy inheritance. However, these reforms have been met with resistance and the implementation remains complex. The political sensitivity of the issue makes comprehensive reform challenging, as any change impacts a significant portion of the population, both landlords and tenants.

Finding a fair and equitable solution that addresses the grievances of both landlords and tenants remains a significant challenge for the Egyptian government. Any future reform needs to consider providing social safety nets for vulnerable tenants while also incentivizing investment in the housing sector to ensure a sustainable and equitable housing market for all Egyptians.