Landlords’ Syndicate warns against "misleading interpretations" of the law suspending deadlines and clarifies the limits of its application

The Landlords’ Syndicate warned against the interpretations and legal opinions circulating بشأن the law suspending deadlines, considering that they are based on inaccurate readings of the legal texts and could create confusion among public opinion, particularly between landlords and tenants.

In a statement, the syndicate stressed that the effects of the law suspending deadlines are limited to halting the calculation of legal time limits that are still running during the suspension period. It emphasized that the law does not revive any deadline that expired before it came into force, nor does it have any retroactive effect unless the legislature clearly and explicitly provides for that.

It explained that the nine-year period for tenants not benefiting from the fund in residential leases expired automatically on February 27, 2026, that is, before the start of the suspension period on March 1, 2026. Therefore, it had already produced all its legal effects and cannot be extended again in accordance with the principle of the non-retroactivity of laws.

As for tenants benefiting from the fund, the syndicate noted that the twelve-year period, which ends on February 27, 2029, was not close to expiring during the suspension period, considering that this duration represents a legal continuation of the lease relationship rather than a procedural deadline requiring the tenant to take specific steps.

With regard to non-residential leases, the syndicate pointed out that the twenty-day period allocated for negotiations between landlord and tenant does not fall within the scope of the suspension of deadlines, as it is an organizational stage within the negotiation mechanism and not a forfeiture period for a legal right.

The syndicate called for adopting a calm and responsible legal approach, away from what it described as populist interpretations, stressing that the dissemination of inaccurate readings of laws could increase disputes between landlords and tenants instead of resolving them.

It also stressed that respecting acquired legal positions constitutes a fundamental principle in the Lebanese legal system, and that any amendment to rights and obligations requires clear texts that leave no room for interpretation.