The Senegalese government has announced plans to introduce new regulations to control rent prices and decentralize the Commission nationale de régulation du loyer des baux à usage d'habitation (CONAREL). The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr Serigne Guèye Diop, revealed the plans in an interview on September 20, 2026. The new measures aim to address concerns over rising rent prices and inadequate regulation.
Dr Diop announced that the government will introduce an arrêté to freeze rent prices across the country, addressing a situation where rents were previously revised every three years. This move is part of a broader effort to regulate the rental market and protect tenants from unfair practices. The minister emphasized that the current system allowed for rent increases after three years, which often led to significant hikes.
The government also plans to review and update existing regulations governing the rental market. Dr Diop stated that some décrets have become outdated and no longer serve their purpose. The review will involve consultations with stakeholders to ensure that the new regulations reflect the current realities of the market. This process follows a recent consultation with industry actors to identify key challenges and potential solutions.
The CONAREL, responsible for managing and controlling rents, will see its powers and territorial presence strengthened. The commission will be decentralized, with plans to establish offices in several regions, including Thiès, Fatick, and Saint-Louis, in addition to its current presence in Dakar and Guédiawaye. This expansion aims to bring rent control closer to citizens and improve enforcement.
Dr Diop emphasized that the decentralization of CONAREL is crucial to ensuring that rent control is effective across the country. The minister plans to propose an increase in funding for CONAREL in the next budget, allowing it to establish a presence in at least five key regions. This move is expected to enhance the government's ability to monitor and regulate rent practices outside of Dakar.
The new regulations are part of a broader effort to address the challenges facing the rental market in Senegal. The government aims to strike a balance between the interests of landlords and tenants, while ensuring that the rental market is transparent and fair. Dr Diop's announcement has been welcomed by many, who see it as a step towards addressing the long-standing concerns over rent prices.
The implementation of the new regulations is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of many Senegalese citizens. With rent prices being a major concern for households, the government's move is seen as a positive step towards providing relief to those affected. The decentralization of CONAREL and the introduction of new regulations are expected to improve the overall rental experience in Senegal.
Key points
- The Senegalese government plans to introduce an arrêté to freeze rent prices across the country.
- The Commission nationale de régulation du loyer des baux à usage d'habitation (CONAREL) will be decentralized with offices in several regions.
- The government aims to review and update existing regulations governing the rental market.
