Kabul residents face sharp rent increases amid housing squeeze

Residents in Kabul are facing significant housing challenges as rental prices in parts of the capital have surged severalfold. Low-income families are struggling to find affordable housing due to the combination of rising costs, high unemployment, and widespread poverty.

Renters report that properties previously available for a few thousand afghanis are now being offered at much higher rates. In some instances, residents noted that rents jumped from 2,000 afghanis to as much as 12,000 afghanis per month. Additionally, some landlords are reportedly demanding large deposits, such as 100,000 afghanis, which many families cannot afford.

Those affected have criticized a lack of effective oversight in the rental market, stating that there is little accountability for landlords. The housing squeeze is forcing many residents to seek shelter in mountainous areas outside the city center, where prices remain high despite the lack of infrastructure.