The CEO of the Social Housing and Mortgage Finance Support Fund in Egypt, May Abdel-Hamid, confirmed that the government has begun compiling a list of requests for alternative housing units for tenants under the old rent law through an online form currently available on the “Digital Egypt” platform.
In a Sunday interview with journalist Ahmed Moussa, Abdel-Hamid clarified that submitting the application does not mean vacating the current housing unit currently.
The form is specifically for individuals seeking alternative housing, she said, and aims to identify their current residences, their actual needs, and the size of the units they occupy.
Abdel-Hamid added that this will help the government determine the locations for constructing new units based on the actual demand. Completing the form is an essential step that enables the government to begin constructing housing units in areas experiencing high demand.
A move meant to reassure citizens
Abdel-Hamid said that submitting an application does not mean citizens must immediately vacate their current residences, stating, “We will not ask any citizen to leave their unit until they have actually been provided with an alternative unit.”
The primary objective of the form is to reassure citizens and collect accurate data, she stated.
Abdel-Hamid explained that the government needs to determine whether applicants have other housing options, as well as identify the governorates the need it most, especially since citizens prefer to receive alternative units within their own governorates.
She affirmed that the government is committed to providing alternative housing in the same governorate and for the same purpose, in consideration of citizen living conditions.
Regarding the number of applications submitted so far, Abdel-Hamid explained that the fund has received approximately 70,000 applications.
She viewed this number as still limited compared to the size of the target groups, noting that applications typically increase towards the end of the application period.
Abdel-Hamid urged citizens ready to apply not to wait until the last minute, emphasizing that 500 post offices nationwide are available to assist citizens who encounter difficulties using digital platforms.
Regarding the application deadline, Abdel-Hamid confirmed that the registration period has been extended until April to give citizens more time to complete their applications.
She emphasized that the state is striving to manage the old rent system in a structured and gradual manner, balancing citizen rights with urban planning needs, without harming any party.
