Increasing the rental amount once a lease expires

Q: My question is, "The tenants of mosque shops are not ready to pay rent at the current prevailing market rates. Their argument is that they have been leasing these properties for generations. I am seeking a fatwa as a solution to this matter. The shops were initially under an agreement process. Please advise."

A: When the lease ends, then you may increase the rent when entering into a new lease contract.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)