Joint Committee Bars Residential Rent Increases Across Afghanistan

KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- A joint committee chaired by Deputy Minister Abdul Karim Haidar of the Ministry of Justice has prohibited increases in residential rents across Afghanistan, mandating that 2026 rates be based on 2024 levels with a maximum 10 percent hike.

The committee, which includes representatives from the Ministry of Justice, police security command, intelligence agencies and Kabul Municipality, announced the decision to curb rising housing costs. Landlords and real estate agents are barred from charging rents exceeding the limit.

Separate teams will be formed to inspect real estate offices and residential properties in Kabul. Violators will be identified and referred for legal action, according to the committee's directive.

Pajhwok Afghan News reported the committee as the Joint Committee on Housing Rent Control, while Radio Television Afghanistan referred to it as the Joint Rent Control Committee chaired by Sheikh Abdulkarim Haider. Both outlets detailed the policy using corresponding Gregorian and solar hijri calendars: 2026/1405 rents aligned with 2024/1403 levels plus up to 10 percent.

The measure applies nationwide to residential properties amid ongoing economic pressures on tenants.