The Old Rent law crisis has returned to the forefront of the national agenda, driven by parallel movements from both the Supreme Constitutional Court and Parliament.
A number of newly elected lawmakers are seeking to reopen deliberations on the law’s most contentious articles, amid a persistent societal debate regarding its impact on millions of landlords and tenants. The issue remains one of the most sensitive and complex housing matters in Egypt today.
Constitutional Court challenge
In a significant legal development, the Board of Commissioners of the Supreme Constitutional Court has decided to adjourn the hearing of an execution dispute lawsuit filed against the constitutionality of the Old Rent Law (Law No. 164 of 2025).
The session has been rescheduled for February 8 to allow the plaintiff to submit legal memorandums and to notify all concerned parties.
The lawsuit (No. 33 of Judicial Year 47—Execution Dispute) seeks an urgent stay of execution for several articles, specifically Articles 2, 4, 5, and 6, as well as the first and second paragraphs of Article 7, pending a final ruling on the merits of the dispute.
The plaintiffs argue that these provisions violate constitutional principles, particularly Sharia law as the primary source of legislation.
Furthermore, they claim the law breaches the principles of social justice, equality, and equal opportunity, while infringing upon private property rights and facilitating forced evictions—actions that directly contradict explicit constitutional texts.
The suit further demands the continued enforcement of previous Supreme Constitutional Court rulings in similar cases and requests that the court exercise its right of self-intervention to strike down the contested articles as unconstitutional.
New lawmakers call for amendments
In tandem with the ongoing judicial appeals, several Members of Parliament have called for amendments to the Old Rent Law, with a specific focus on Article 7.
Lawmakers expressed their absolute rejection of the concept of tenant eviction, citing the severe social repercussions such measures could have on family stability and community security.
Political parties are currently drafting proposed legislative amendments aimed at protecting original tenants and the elderly, while accepting gradual rent increases to achieve a fair balance between both parties.
Furthermore, these parties have called for a comprehensive socio-economic study to distinguish between low-income and affluent tenants. This would ensure that support is directed to those who truly need it, fostering genuine equity in the pricing of “Old Rent” units.
Landlords’ Union rejects amendment demands
Conversely, the head of the Landlords’ Union rejected parliamentary calls to amend the law, asserting that the Old Rent Law is being implemented smoothly on the ground.
He noted that a significant number of citizens have already successfully regularized their status without notable issues.
The Union head accused some lawmakers of being out of touch with reality, emphasizing that landlords’ demands are not focused on eviction, but rather on “liberalizing” the rental relationship fairly.
He suggested that the state provide alternative housing, a process he claims is already underway through government housing projects and digital platforms.
He concluded that prolonging the debate without recognizing the rights of property owners only extends the crisis, maintaining that the current law is a vital step toward correcting a historical imbalance that has persisted for decades.
