Egyptian Artists Express Fears of Displacement Following Old Rent Law Ratification

Cairo, Egypt – November 21, 2023 – Several prominent Egyptian artists have publicly voiced concerns about potential displacement following President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s recent ratification of a revised version of the old rent law. The law, intended to address long-standing disputes between landlords and tenants, has sparked anxiety among artists who have resided in rent-controlled apartments for decades.

Actress Nadia Rashad revealed she recently vacated her apartment in Alexandria, despite the owner’s preference for her to remain. She stated she chose to leave on her own terms, reflecting on years of rent payments equaling the cost of purchasing a property. Rashad expressed regret for not investing in a residence earlier, and apologized for any satirical tone in her commentary, attributing it to the anxieties surrounding the current situation.

Actor and mime artist Ahmed Nabil sent a message to President El-Sisi expressing his fear of eviction from his apartment, which he has occupied for 50 years. Nabil, known for his character “the empty man” (al-rajul al-farigh), explained he currently lives in the apartment with his wife and relies on a modest pension barely sufficient to cover his medication costs after retiring from acting. He emphasized that he never received housing assistance as an artist.

Nadia Rashad, acknowledging her advanced age, stated she is unable to relocate and supports adjustments to rent values but fears being forced to leave her current residence. She emphasized that the apartment represents her only viable option for spending her remaining years. Rashad, born in 1964, has appeared in over 50 films and television series.

Context: The Old Rent Law and Recent Amendments

The original rent control laws in Egypt,dating back to the 1940s,considerably limited rent increases,creating a system where rents remained substantially below market value for decades. This lead to a reluctance among landlords to maintain properties and a growing tension with tenants. The recent amendments, approved by President El-Sisi on November 19, 2023, aim to balance the rights of both landlords and tenants.the law allows landlords to reclaim properties after a set period, typically 5 years, with provisions for compensation or alternative housing for tenants.Though, the implementation details and potential impact on long-term residents, particularly those with limited financial resources, remain a source of concern.

The law applies to properties built before 1945 and those constructed between 1945 and 1960, subject to specific conditions. The amendments have been met with mixed reactions, with some landlords welcoming the changes and tenants fearing displacement. Legal experts predict a surge in eviction lawsuits in the coming months as landlords seek to reclaim their properties.