Eng. Sherif El Sherbini, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, participated in a joint meeting of the Housing, Public Utilities and Construction Committee, along with the Local Development and Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committees at the House of Representatives, Invest-Gate reports.

The meeting aimed to discuss two draft laws submitted by the government: the first concerning provisions related to the rental of premises, and the second amending certain provisions of Law No. 4 of 1996 regarding the application of the Civil Code to premises whose lease contracts have expired or are expiring without anyone having the right to remain.

In his speech, El Sherbini explained that the Egyptian state is approaching this historic issue with a balanced strategy that combines legal fairness with a humanitarian perspective.

He noted that thousands of families have resided in these units for decades, and preserving their stability and housing security represents a fundamental commitment from which the state will not deviate.

El Sherbini emphasized that the proposed draft law does not aim to evict or exclude anyone but seeks to provide a rational legislative solution to a long-standing legal situation through gradual implementation. This approach takes into account the realities of tenants while simultaneously restoring the rights of landlords, aiming for a balance that preserves societal stability.

He stated, “We are not merely reorganizing the rental relationship; we are consolidating the principle of trust between citizens and their state and enhancing the value of housing as an inviolable right.”

He clarified that the success of this law will not be measured solely by its legislative approval but also by its implementation mechanisms and its capacity to achieve the required practical balance. The ministry will continue to listen to citizens and welcome any substantive proposals that contribute to the success of the initiative. He noted that the law is open to development, provided it does not undermine its core principles of gradualism and justice.

El Sherbini added that once the law is passed, the state will begin receiving applications for cases requiring legalization. These applications will be evaluated according to fair criteria, considering social dimensions, family size, income, and geographic location. Clear guidelines will then be established regarding the basis for ownership or rental based on data analysis.

Furthermore, he explained that housing units will be allocated according to a specific timetable that aligns with the state’s capabilities and citizens’ needs, emphasizing that any evictions will only be implemented after providing a dignified alternative that safeguards citizens’ dignity and housing security.