What is the ruling on living in a rented house by paying the landlord a loan in exchange for not paying monthly rent, when this constitutes usury (riba), and how can one be rid of it?
The two aforementioned scenarios, namely: renting a house on condition of lending its owner money, or paying a deposit in exchange for benefiting from the house, are both forbidden. The first combines (leasing) and salaf (loan), while the second is a clear usurious loan. What is obligatory is to repent to Allah, annul the corrupt contract, and reclaim the money. If the house owner does not return the money until after a year, then it is permissible to remain in the house. When the money is returned, the rent for the house and the profit the owner gained from the money should be calculated. If they are equal or if the profit exceeds the rent, then nothing should be given. If the profit is less, then the full rent should be given.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 191633
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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