High prices in Iran's stunted housing market leave tenants with few options

"His landlord had raised the rent for the 20-year-old apartment to 230 million rials ($130), up from 130 million rials ($73), while keeping the fast-depreciating deposit at 5 billion rials ($2,800 at the current exchange rate). Monthly minimum wage in Iran is currently about $90, which can go to $120 after accounting for government-issued subsidies, electronic coupons and marriage or housing-related allowances. Most tenants are believed to be surviving under the poverty line, which is about 700 million rials ($400) in monthly income per average family."

"Moreover, he said, his neighbourhood was not directly targeted in the air attacks that the United States and Israel launched in late February, before strikes were suspended more than a month ago under a tenuous ceasefire. He added that more affordable alternatives to the 60-square-metre (645-square-foot) apartment would be smaller and older, or located in southern Tehran, which would mean having to commute an extra hour daily to go to work. Incomes and expenses hardly match for many Iranians who do not own homes, forcing them to pay large amounts to keep a modest roof over their heads or make compromises."

"According to the Statistical Center of Iran, rents rose 31 percent year-on-year in Farvardian, the first month in the Persian calendar, which ended on April 20. No official data has been released for Tehran, but reports in local media and realtor associations indicate that prices in the capital are now"

A 29-year-old tenant in western Tehran renewed his lease with a large rent increase while the deposit remained low relative to housing costs. Monthly minimum wage in Iran is about $90 and can rise to about $120 with subsidies and allowances, while many families survive near or below the poverty line of roughly $400 monthly income. Tenants often accept higher rents because alternatives are smaller, older, or farther away, requiring longer commutes. Rent growth has been reported at 31% year-on-year in Farvardian, and local reports suggest further increases in Tehran despite limited official data. Economic strain forces many renters to pay substantial sums or compromise on housing quality and location.

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