The housing crisis in Iran has become one of the most complex and critical economic and social issues in the country. Every year, with the increase in inflation rates and market fluctuations, housing costs also significantly rise, making it more difficult for different segments of society, especially young people and renters, to access suitable shelter. This report examines the impact of this crisis on people’s lives, the inefficiency of government policies, and the future outlook of housing in Iran, based on the accounts of several renters.

Increase.

Rent.‌

Price.

And.

Impact.

That.

Bar.

Translation: On.

Life.

Tenants.

One of the biggest problems that tenants face is the increase in rent prices. In one account, a tenant says that last year they paid the equivalent of four million and five hundred thousand tomans for rent, but this year they have been forced to rent a house for more than eight million tomans. Such increases put a lot of pressure on tenants and force them to cut back on other expenses or even take on more jobs to cover their expenses.

Another tenant mentions that they have been forced to constantly take out loans and make monthly payments in order to live in Tehran, while simultaneously paying rent and loan installments has put them in a difficult financial situation. The increase in housing costs has caused many tenants to sacrifice their comfort and live in smaller homes or in more remote areas, which has had a negative impact on their quality of life and mental health.

Increase.

Hours.

Work.

And.

Acceptance.

Job.‌

Hi.

Unwilling.

The housing crisis not only has financial implications, but also has extensive effects on tenants from a psychological and social standpoint. Some have been forced to increase their working hours or take on jobs they are not interested in. One tenant says, “Due to the financial pressure caused by rent increases, I had to go back to jobs I had previously left. These jobs have caused me a lot of stress and have reduced the quality of my life.”

Similar to this situation, another tenant who lives alone is referred to as someone who spends almost two-thirds of their income on rent and related expenses. This situation has affected their mental health and future presence in Tehran.

Design.

Inefficiency.

Politics‌

Hi.

Government.

In.

Crisis.

Housing.

Many renters consider government policies regarding housing to be ineffective and counterproductive. According to them, programs such as Mehr housing and the National Housing Initiative have not only failed to solve the crisis, but have also exacerbated problems. A renter who has researched the Mehr housing program says, “I was in favor of the principle of the Mehr housing policy, but the Islamic Republic does not have the ability to properly implement any plan. Many Mehr housing units have serious infrastructure issues, as was evident in the Sarpol-e Zahab earthquake. Houses that were supposed to provide security for people have turned into mass graves.”

One of the main problems with these projects is their inappropriate location. Many of these houses are built in peripheral areas that lack suitable urban facilities. As a result, many applicants have either been discouraged from living in these houses or have returned to the main cities after a while.

Influence.

Brokers.

And.

Merchants

In.

Market.

Housing.

One of the main factors exacerbating the housing crisis is the influence of brokers and economic mafias in the market. According to one of the tenants, some landlords and large investors can control and increase prices by creating restrictions on buying and selling houses. In this situation, the government not only does not take any action to control prices, but with weak tax policies, it practically allows speculators to keep their houses empty and profit from price increases.

Another tenant in this field says: “There are a large number of empty houses in Tehran, but landlords are willing to pay taxes and keep the houses empty because they know they can sell them at higher prices in the future.”

This situation has led to a decrease in housing supply and an increase in demand, ultimately resulting in a staggering rise in prices.

Impact.

Crisis.

Housing.

Bar.

Migration.

Youth.

One of the important consequences of the housing crisis is the increase in young people’s desire to migrate from Iran. For many young people, buying a house in Iran has become an unattainable dream. One of the tenants, who has a monthly income of 20 million tomans, says that even with this income, buying a house in the next 20 years is still impossible for him.

This disappointment about the future has caused many young people to consider leaving the country. Some tenants have stated that housing is one of the main factors in their decision to migrate. One of them says: “The housing crisis is a major factor in the decision to migrate for many young Iranians. Like many of my friends, I have come to the conclusion that there is no future for me in Iran.”

The housing crisis in Iran is the result of a combination of high inflation, ineffective government policies, the influence of profiteers in the market, and a lack of effective oversight. This crisis has had destructive effects on the lives of renters and has led to increased financial pressure, psychological stress, and hopelessness about the future.

Some tenants suggest that in order to solve this crisis, housing should be considered a public right and the government should be obligated to provide free or affordable rental homes for low-income individuals. Others emphasize the need for reforming tax policies and preventing housing hoarding by brokers.

However, many tenants consider improving the housing situation impossible until the current economic and political structures remain in place. In the current circumstances, it seems that the housing crisis will not only not be resolved, but will also intensify in the coming years, unless fundamental changes are made in the housing and macroeconomic policies of the country.