Rental Laws in Egypt

Comprehensive guide to rental contract laws and tenant/landlord rights in Egypt

Types of Rental Contracts

Old Rent Law:

Pre-1996 contracts - Fixed low rents

New Rent Law:

Post-1996 contracts - Market rates

Contract Terms

Required Basic Information:

  • Complete landlord and tenant information
  • Detailed description of rented property
  • Rent amount and payment dates
  • Rental period and renewal terms
  • Purpose of rental (residential/commercial/administrative)

Additional Terms:

  • Security deposit and service charges
  • Maintenance and repair conditions
  • Property usage rules

Tenant Rights

  • Peaceful enjoyment of rented property
  • No rent increase except according to law
  • Protection from arbitrary eviction
  • Right to necessary repairs
  • Security deposit return upon contract termination
  • Transfer to relatives (in old rent law)

Landlord Rights

  • Collect rent at specified times
  • Property recovery upon contract expiry
  • Request eviction for non-payment
  • Rent increase according to law
  • Property inspection with tenant consent
  • Claim damages compensation

Rent Increases

Old Rent Law:

Gradual increase specified by law - until reaching fair rental value

New Rent Law:

Does not exceed 10% annually of base rent value

Contract Termination Reasons

By Landlord:

  • Non-payment of rent for 20 days after notice
  • Using property for purposes other than agreed
  • Damaging the property
  • Unauthorized transfer (in some cases)

By Tenant:

  • Prior notice according to contract term
  • Expiry of contract term

Rental Dispute Resolution

Rental Committees:

Specialize in old rent disputes and some new rent cases

Partial Courts:

Handle new rent disputes and commercial cases

Mediation and Arbitration:

Alternative solutions for dispute resolution outside courts