Rental Property Maintenance Responsibilities in Egypt: A Clear Guide for Landlords and Tenants
Renting a home in Egypt works smoothly when both the landlord and the tenant understand exactly who handles what. Maintenance is one of the biggest sources of confusion, especially in premium areas like Katameya Heights, New Cairo, and Maadi apartment complexes with shared amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, gardens, and security.
This guide breaks down fair and realistic maintenance responsibilities for both sides, based on common market practice in Egypt. It will help you set expectations, prevent disputes, and protect the value of the property.
Why Maintenance Responsibilities Matter
Maintenance is more than just fixing a leak. It affects:
- The comfort and safety of the tenant
- The long-term condition and value of the property
- The cost of shared services within buildings and compounds
- The overall rental experience for both parties
When roles are not clearly defined, disputes happen. But when responsibilities are clear, renting becomes stress-free for everyone involved.
Landlord Responsibilities in Egypt
A landlord is expected to deliver a safe, functional, and well-maintained property. The following items are typically the landlord’s responsibility:
1. Major Structural Repairs
These include:
- Roof problems
- Water leaks inside walls
- Broken or outdated wiring that affects safety
- Plumbing issues related to building-level pipes
- Cracks, structural damage, or moisture problems
Because these issues protect the property’s integrity, the landlord should fix them promptly.
2. Essential Services
Any repair related to the core functioning of the home usually falls on the landlord:
- Electrical panel issues
- Main water supply to the unit
- Major sewage or drainage faults
- Gas line issues (if supplied by the landlord)
3. Fixed Installations
If the landlord provided built-in or fixed systems, they must be maintained, such as:
- Central AC units
- Water heaters and boilers
- Built-in ovens or kitchen hoods
- Fixed wardrobes and cabinetry
4. Safety & Compliance
Landlords must ensure:
- The property is safe for occupancy
- Balconies, windows, and railings are secure
- All legal building requirements are met
5. Shared Areas (When the Owner Is Responsible for Fees)
In some cases, the landlord covers building or compound/complex fees that include:
- Elevator maintenance
- Building cleaning
- Generator servicing
- Shared lighting
- Gardening and outdoor upkeep
This depends on what the contract states, but many landlords include these fees within the rent, especially in luxury compounds or apartment complexes.
Tenant Responsibilities in Egypt
Tenants are responsible for daily care, light repairs, and any damage they cause.
1. Routine Daily Maintenance
This includes:
- Replacing light bulbs
- Fixing minor clogs caused by normal use
- Small plumbing issues (e.g., changing hose seals)
- Remote batteries, small electrical fixes, etc.
Essentially, anything that is small, inexpensive, and due to everyday use is usually handled by the tenant.
2. Cleanliness & Proper Use
Tenants must:
- Keep the property clean
- Avoid misuse of appliances
- Prevent damage caused by negligence
3. Damage Caused by the Tenant
If an item breaks due to misuse or accidental damage (doors, handles, glass, appliances), the tenant must fix or replace it.
4. Utility Bills
Unless stated otherwise, tenants cover:
- Electricity
- Water
- Gas
- Internet
- TV subscriptions
Maintenance Responsibilities in Compounds
Living in gated compounds means residents benefit from high-quality services, but these services come with regular compound maintenance fees.
What these fees cover varies, but typically include:
What Compound Fees Cover
- Security systems and guards
- Landscaping and garden care
- Swimming pool maintenance
- Clubhouse, spa, gym upkeep
- Roads, sidewalks, street lighting
- Waste collection and sanitation
- External pest control
Who Pays the Compound Fee?
This must be defined in the contract. In Egypt, both arrangements are common:
Option A — Landlord Pays (Most Common in Premium Rentals)
Landlords cover the annual or monthly compound fee since it protects the property and keeps the community in good condition but usually covered by landlord if the case of short-term rental.
Option B — Tenant Pays
In some cases, especially in long-term rentals, the tenant pays either:
- The full compound maintenance fee, or
- A portion of it
This must be written clearly in the lease.
Responsibilities in Apartment Buildings with Shared Facilities
Many apartment buildings in Maadi, New Cairo have shared services. These may include:
- A doorman (bawab) or concierge
- Stairwell cleaning
- Building entrance maintenance
- Elevator service
- Shared pool or gym
- Lobby lighting
- Roof access maintenance
Doorman (Bawab) Salary
In traditional buildings:
- Residents typically contribute monthly to the bawab’s salary
- The contribution is paid per apartment, not per person
- The amount varies based on building type and area
Modern Buildings & Complexes
In luxury buildings and serviced apartments:
- Doorman/concierge salaries are included in the building maintenance fees
- Tenants usually pay this as part of a monthly building service fee — unless the landlord covers it
Pool, Gym, and Shared Facilities
If a building has shared amenities, the landlord rarely pays for day-to-day operational costs.
Instead, tenants either:
- Pay a monthly service charge
- Or receive access included in the rent (common in high-end rentals)
What Is Considered “Fair” Between Both Parties?
A fair arrangement generally looks like this:
Landlord Should Fairly Pay For:
- Major and structural repairs
- Building-level plumbing/electrical faults
- Fixed installations provided by the landlord
- Extermination if caused by building issues
- Elevator and building maintenance (if owner is responsible for the fee)
Tenant Should Fairly Pay For:
- Day-to-day minor repairs
- All utilities
- Damage caused by misuse
- Small maintenance and quick fixes
- Bawab/building service contributions (if the building follows that system)
- Additional optional amenities (gym subscription, spa access, etc.)
Best Practices to Avoid Disputes
To keep everything smooth:
Document All Responsibilities in the Lease
Specify:
- Who pays compound/complex fees
- Who covers doorman/building services
- What counts as major vs. minor repair
- How appliances will be maintained
- Response times for repairs
Use a Move-In Inspection Report
Include photos and notes.
This protects both landlord and tenant.
Agree on Communication Channels
WhatsApp groups or email threads help track repair requests and approvals.
A real estate broker also adds value during the move-in inspection. They prepare a clear, neutral move-in report with photos and documented notes, making sure both landlord and tenant agree on the property’s exact condition before handover. This prevents future disputes over damages, protects the tenant’s deposit, and ensures that any required repairs are handled before moving in—especially important in higher-value areas like Maadi, New Cairo, and Katameya Heights.
Conclusion
Clear maintenance responsibilities are the foundation of a successful rental experience in Egypt. When both sides understand their roles — from small daily tasks to compound fees and shared facility costs — renting becomes predictable, fair, and stress-free. Whether the property is part of a gated community like Katameya Heights or a serviced apartments with shared amenities, putting everything in writing is the best way to avoid misunderstandings and protect both the property and the people living in it.