Municipalities at War: When Local Authorities Decide the Legitimacy of Housing

As mass displacement reshaped Lebanon during the 2026 war, municipalities emerged as key actors in managing housing and population movements. Based on an analysis of 68 municipal circulars and decisions, this report examines how local authorities increasingly relied on registration requirements, prior approvals, surveillance measures, and movement restrictions that raise important legal and human rights concerns. At the same time, it highlights a smaller but significant set of municipal initiatives adopted after the ceasefire to curb housing exploitation, encourage solidarity, and support access to housing for returning families. By comparing these contrasting approaches, and placing them alongside earlier municipal practices targeting Syrian refugees, the report explores the evolving role of municipalities in times of crisis and argues for a clearer legal framework and a comprehensive national housing policy grounded in the right to housing.