Following widespread complaints over an unprecedented rise in house rents, the Ministry of Justice during a joint meeting with representatives from intelligence authorities, police command and Kabul municipality has announced that any increase in residential rent across Kabul and other provinces exceeding 10% during the current year is prohibited, emphasizing that any violations will result in legal prosecution.
According to Barakatullah Rasouli, spokesperson for the ministry, rental rates must remain in line with the 2024 and increases beyond 10% are not permitted.
Authorities state that the sharp increase in rent prices is majorly due to the return of a huge number of immigrants from neighboring countries (especially to Kabul) following with a shortage of rental houses.
The Ministry also noted that informal rental agreements written on plain paper without official registration are not legally valid and may lead to legal consequences. Houseowners and renters are urged to formally register their contracts with authorized agencies as soon as possible.
Despite earlier warnings, the Ministry reports receiving numerous complaints about excessive rent rise by landlords and licensed real estate agencies, creating serious challenges for residents and returnees.
Citizens, particularly amid severe unemployment and economic hardships, say that affording rent has become a continuing struggle.
The Ministry reiterated its warning, calling on landlords and real estate offices to adhere to previous rates and fulfill their moral and legal responsibilities. It added that citizens can submit written complaints to the central office of the Ministry of Justice or provincial justice departments if they encounter illegal rent increases.