These terms apply to properties listed on Diplo in the Arab Republic of Egypt. They describe how maintenance and repairs are handled for a property let through Diplo, and who is responsible for them. They do not replace the tenancy agreement or the law, and they are not legal advice.
1. Legal framework
Residential leases concluded under Law No. 4 of 1996 are governed by the Egyptian Civil Code (Law No. 131 of 1948), in particular the provisions on leases (Articles 558 to 609). In summary:
- The landlord must deliver the property in a good condition, fit for the purpose for which it is let, and keep it in that condition during the tenancy by carrying out the necessary repairs (Articles 567 and 568).
- The tenant is responsible for minor, day-to-day repairs customarily carried out by tenants, unless the tenancy agreement says otherwise (Article 582).
- If the landlord fails to carry out necessary repairs after being notified, the tenant may ask the court for permission to carry them out and recover the cost from the rent, and may carry out urgent repairs without a court order and deduct their cost from the rent, without prejudice to the tenant's other rights (Article 568).
Where the tenancy agreement lawfully allocates maintenance differently, the tenancy agreement applies.
2. The responsible party for repairs
When a property is listed, the landlord (or the property manager acting for the owner) chooses who will manage and coordinate maintenance:
- The landlord — manages maintenance personally.
- An Authorised Representative — a person the owner authorises (for example a property manager, family member or lawyer) to receive and respond to maintenance requests, communicate with Diplo and tenants, and arrange repairs on the owner's behalf, within a pre-approved spending limit of at least 5,000 EGP.
- The property manager — when the listing is managed for the owner and the owner has accepted this role.
- The Diplo team — Diplo arranges repairs through professional third-party contractors (see section 7).
Appointing a representative, a property manager or Diplo to manage maintenance does not, by itself, transfer or remove the owner's legal or contractual obligations as landlord. The owner remains responsible for the cost of repairs that are the landlord's responsibility.
When a representative is appointed, or when a property manager makes the choice, the representative or the owner must accept it through the secure link Diplo sends by email before the property can be published.
3. Landlord's repairs
Unless the tenancy agreement lawfully provides otherwise, the landlord is responsible for repairs needed to keep the property safe, habitable and fit for its purpose, including:
- the structure, walls, roof and ceilings, and water leaks coming from them;
- main water supply, drainage and sewage pipes;
- the main electrical installation, wiring and distribution board;
- gas installations and water heaters supplied with the property;
- appliances and equipment supplied with the property (for example air-conditioning units, kitchen appliances), unless the damage was caused by the tenant;
- doors, windows and locks that affect the safety or security of the property;
- defects existing when the property was handed over.
4. Tenant's responsibilities
- Carry out minor, day-to-day repairs customarily made by tenants, for example replacing light bulbs, small fixings, and keeping drains and sinks free of blockages caused by use.
- Use the property and its equipment with reasonable care, and keep it clean.
- Report promptly through Diplo any defect or damage that needs the landlord's attention, especially water leaks, electrical faults and gas smells, so that it does not get worse.
- Give reasonable access, at agreed times, for inspections and repairs.
- Pay for repairs of damage caused by the tenant, members of the household or visitors through misuse or negligence. Normal wear and tear from ordinary use is not the tenant's responsibility.
- Not make alterations to the property without the landlord's written consent.
5. Reporting and response
Tenants report maintenance requests through Diplo, with a description and photos where possible. The responsible party should:
- Urgent issues (no water or electricity, serious water leaks, gas smells, security risks, anything that endangers people or the property): respond as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours, and take steps to make the property safe.
- Non-urgent issues: respond within 3 working days and agree a reasonable date for the repair.
Communication about maintenance should take place through Diplo so that there is a clear record for the landlord, the tenant and Diplo.
6. Costs and spending limit
- The landlord bears the cost of the landlord's repairs; the tenant bears the cost of the tenant's repairs and of damage caused by the tenant.
- The responsible party may authorise repairs up to the pre-approved spending limit chosen for the property. Repairs above the limit need the owner's approval before work starts, except urgent work needed to protect people or the property.
- Repairs covered by a manufacturer's or installer's warranty should be made under that warranty where possible.
- Invoices and receipts should be kept and shared through Diplo.
7. Diplo Repairs & Maintenance Service
When the Diplo team is responsible for repairs:
- Diplo partners with professional, high-level third-party contractors to handle repairs and maintenance for the property.
- All repair and maintenance costs, including third-party fees, are the responsibility of the landlord, unless the damage is caused by the tenant's fault or negligence.
- For non-urgent issues, the contractor inspects the problem and provides a proposal with material options and costs for approval.
- For urgent matters, if no response is received within 2 hours, the contractor will proceed to resolve the issue to protect the property and the tenants.
- Diplo's administration fee is charged according to the plan chosen for the property and is not charged upfront.
8. Disputes
If the landlord and the tenant disagree about who is responsible for a repair or its cost, they should first try to resolve it through Diplo. Disputes about deductions from the security deposit follow Diplo's DiploSafe process. Either party keeps the right to go to the competent Egyptian courts.
9. Changes
Diplo may update these terms. The version published on this page when the responsible party accepts the role is the one that applies to that acceptance.
