A young Cuban woman recently took to TikTok to share her journey navigating the rental market in Havana, revealing the steep prices currently affecting those in need of housing in the capital.
In her video, TikTok user Zol Arias discusses the increasing challenge of finding rental properties in Havana. The scarcity of available options and the relentless rise in prices make it particularly difficult for locals. She also points out that transportation has become more complicated due to fuel shortages.
Her search began online, where she evaluated several listings before deciding to visit some in person to assess their condition. Eventually, she settled on an apartment on the fifth floor and moved in that same afternoon. The video captures the chaos of her new place filled with possessions, underscoring how exhausting moving can be.
"Moving is madness," she exclaims, showing the boxes and belongings still awaiting organization in the apartment.
That first night, she managed to organize only her clothes in the closet as it was late and she was weary. The next day, she embarked on a thorough cleaning to arrange everything properly.
A major highlight of the video is the cost of rentals in Havana. As she narrates, every apartment she visited was priced at $100 or more per month. The one she finally chose costs $140 monthly, a significant amount considering the low state salaries on the island.
Her account sheds light on the mounting challenges citizens face in securing rental housing in the capital amidst the nation's economic crisis and limited housing supply.
Understanding the Rental Crisis in Havana
Why are rental prices so high in Havana?
Rental prices in Havana are high due to a combination of limited housing options and rising demand, exacerbated by the country's ongoing economic challenges.
How do fuel shortages affect daily life in Havana?
Fuel shortages complicate transportation, making it difficult for people to move around the city efficiently, which adds to the stress of finding and maintaining rental housing.