Taliban Administration Caps Kabul Rent Increases at 10 Percent Amid Rising Housing Costs
Following unchecked and excessive rent hikes in Kabul, the Taliban administration has announced that rental increases for residential properties in the year 1405 (2026-2027) should not exceed 10 percent compared to the year 1403 (2024-2025). However, some residents of the capital report that landlords have raised rents without following any clear criteria, and effective oversight is lacking.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Justice has established a joint committee to address this issue. The committee’s first meeting was chaired by Sheikh Abdul Karim Haidar, Technical Deputy of the Ministry of Justice, and included representatives from security agencies, intelligence services, and the Kabul municipality.
According to the committee’s decision, property owners and real estate offices are not permitted to increase rents beyond the established ceiling. Additionally, supervisory teams will visit real estate offices and residential blocks to identify violators for legal action.
Despite this decision, reports have surfaced of collusion between some real estate offices and landlords, indicating that unofficial rent increases continue. This situation has intensified especially over the past two years, becoming one of the major challenges facing Kabul residents.
The Taliban administration also pledged last year to control the rent crisis, but so far, no comprehensive or sustainable plan has been presented to address the root of the problem. The inability to regulate the housing market has allowed abuses and increased economic pressure on families, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Barkatullah Rasouli, spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, stated that citizens unhappy with rent increases can file official complaints with the ministry.
