Kabul rent hikes spark complaints; MoJ warns of legal action

KABUL: Residents in Kabul have complained about landlords arbitrarily increasing house rents in violation of a decision by the Joint Committee for Rent Control. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has warned that violators face legal prosecution.

On September 9, 2025, the ministry announced the committee's decision obliging real estate agents not to rent properties above designated amounts, with a maximum 10 percent increase compared to 1403. Any exceedance would lead to legal action.

Yar Mohammad Sultani, a resident of Kabul's fifth district, said his rent rose from 7,000 afghanis to 9,000 afghanis, a more than 28 percent increase. He noted landlords demand hikes or evictions before annual contracts expire, including a neighbor's rent from 9,000 to 11,000 afghanis.

Muska Asil from the Guzargah area reported her apartment rent increasing from 10,000 to 12,000 afghanis, or 20 percent. She said the landlord refused to delay the hike until spring despite winter conditions.

Mohammad Ahmadi said the owner of his house in Dasht-i-Barchi’s Anchi-Baghbanan area demanded he vacate after a 500,000 afghani mortgage paid five years ago. He linked hikes to the return of over two million Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan in the past year.

Syed Akram, owner of Toofani Real Estate in Shahr-i-Naw, said his agency complies and urged complaints to the MoJ or Kabul Real Estate Union. An anonymous agent acknowledged some landlords and agents bypass registration and rules.

Barakatullah Rasooli, MoJ spokesman, confirmed recent complaints about hikes exploiting returning migrants and tenants' vulnerabilities. He said property transaction offices renting above limits would face action.