1. Introduction

As tangible links to the past, heritage buildings contribute to social cohesion and economic growth (Thorell, 2018). Buildings such as these play an important role in defining cultural identity and history. The preservation of heritage buildings is an essential component of preserving a nation’s cultural identity and history as well as promoting sustainable development (Thatcher, 2017). Preservation of heritage buildings refers to the practice of preserving a heritage building from any alterations or changes that could affect its historical significance. Preservation of heritage buildings not only protects their architectural and aesthetic values but also provides an opportunity to capture the essence of a city’s history (Nurliani Lukito & Nurul Rizky, 2018). A number of countries have developed legislation to regulate the preservation of heritage buildings in recognition of the importance of heritage preservation. However, despite such regulations, efforts to protect heritage buildings remain humble due to a lack of clear guidelines for custodians and owners (Sodangi et al., 2014).

Regrettably, many heritage buildings are not being utilized suitably, and some are even being abandoned or used as sheds, resulting in environmental disputes and devaluation (Darmawan & Enis, 2016). One approach to preserving heritage buildings is rental activities of heritage buildings, where heritage buildings are rented out for several purposes such as events, generating revenue that can subsidize the preservation of these buildings (Lin, 2020). As reported by Rypkema, Cheong, and Mason (2011), rehabilitation projects that include rental activities have created new jobs and increased property values while preserving the community’s character. Mason, BohnSpector, and Dunne Ferrone (2000) also suggest that rental activities in heritage buildings play a vital role in their preservation.

Rental activities of heritage buildings have been increasingly classified as residential activities since the launch of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, making them popular among tourists (Lin, 2020). Furthermore, there is an upward interest in repurposing heritage buildings for permanent residential use (Colliers International Property Consultants Limited, 2015). Colliers International recommends repurposing heritage buildings for residential use. Nevertheless, it is crucial to follow ethical practices when transferring historically significant buildings for preservation purposes (Peltola, 2008). Renting heritage buildings for residential purposes can have both positive and negative effects on the preservation of these buildings and their cultural heritage, as seen in the condition of As-Salt, a historic city in Jordan, which was newly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the prominence and significance of this city’s identity and exclusive heritage buildings. This announcement could have a notable impact on the local community’s economic growth and the expansion of the tourism industry (Bertacchini, Revelli, & Zotti, 2023); and this can be detected by the amplified number of tourists who visited the city after the declaration.

By preserving As-Salt’s heritage buildings and promoting their cultural significance through tourism, the local community’s economic and social development can be confidently impacted in a positive direction (Albert, Richon, José Viñals, & Witcomb, 2012). This can be easily measured by the obvious increase in new business and tourism initiatives that were launched after announcing As-Salt as a world heritage site, and eventually, the increase in workers and labor working in these businesses.

Recent observations indicate a growing trend of private owners of heritage buildings in As-Salt renting out their properties to tenants from diverse backgrounds and for multiple purposes, whether residential or commercial. This trend is attributed to the rising demand for affordable housing and the limited availability of accommodation options in the city, and the fact that buildings are near the city core of commercial activities in As-Salt. Though, while this can offer short-term welfare for both heritage building owners and tenants, it could also endanger the preservation of these remarkable structures. Consequently, it is crucial to strike a balance between the development of rental activities and heritage preservation to ensure that As-Salt’s unique charm and cultural heritage are protected for future generations. Effective management of heritage building preservation and adaptive

Mostafa (2018) highlights a significant gap in the literature regarding the impact of rental activities on the preservation of heritage buildings. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of rental activities on the preservation of heritage buildings in As-Salt City and to recommend strategies, policies, and new regulations that can help to better preserve these buildings. Through a multi-step approach, the researcher began by conducting expert interviews with individuals who had knowledge and expertise in the fields of heritage preservation and rental activities. These interviews provided a general understanding of the research questions and helped to identify potential stakeholders to interview. Based on the results of the expert interviews, the researcher then conducted stakeholder interviews with representatives from local government, heritage organizations, and rental activity businesses in As-Salt City. The results of these interviews were used to generate a survey that was randomly distributed among residents of As-Salt.

This study aims to identify key challenges and opportunities for preservation. Based on these findings, the study will provide recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and other stakeholders on how to better protect and promote the cultural heritage of As-Salt City. Reuse, including rentals, is essential to maintain the authenticity and character of the city (Thatcher, 2018).

2. Literature Review

Previous studies suggest that the preservation of heritage buildings is crucial for maintaining a city’s collective memory and identity, sustainable tourism development, and future generations’ appreciation of the values created by these resources (Hoang, 2021; Lukito & Rizky, 2018; Nilson and Thorell, 2018). UNESCO’s Heritage Sustainability Index defines building heritage as a multidimensional framework for promoting the sustainable development of heritage sites. (Li and Han, 2021) emphasize that the preservation of historic buildings is necessary to protect cultural sequences, reduce the loss of people’s spiritual places, and promote national cultural self-confidence. While the preservation project of built heritage can be categorized into various types, it deals with an extremely heterogeneous range of elements and different substrates with a large variety of preservation conditions (Gulotta & Toniolo, 2019).

According to Nilson and Thorell (2018), cultural heritage preservation is a complex issue that requires the role of rentals in building preservation to be taken into account. Rentals of heritage buildings have become a topic of increasing interest in recent years (Mason, Bohn-Spector, & Dunne Ferrone, 2000). Rental activities of heritage buildings, such as renting them out for weddings, corporate events, cultural events, and private parties, can generate income that can contribute to their preservation and restoration (Lin, 2020). Rypkema, Cheong, and F. Mason (2011) report that historic rehabilitation projects involving rental activities have generated new jobs and increased property values while preserving the character of communities. Mason, BohnSpector, & Dunne Ferrone (2000) also suggest that rental activities in heritage buildings play a crucial role in their preservation and restoration.

Various types of heritage building rentals have been studied, including short-term rentals that encourage public engagement in historic preservation (Lin, 2020). However, property rights are restricted for buildings located in preservation areas, potentially increasing the cost of alterations and maintenance (Ahlfeldt et al., 2012). Evaluating the costs and benefits of heritage building rentals is crucial depending on specific circumstances and preservation goals. Despite their benefits, short-term rentals have been criticized for their adverse effects on local housing markets and neighborhood characters (Lin, 2020).

Renting heritage buildings as vacation homes generates revenue that can be used for restoration efforts (Goodman et al., 2021). Additionally, this option provides a unique and immersive experience for visitors while enjoying modern amenities. Renting heritage buildings for events or accommodations is another option that allows visitors to immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying modern conveniences in a setting that cannot be replicated elsewhere (Rubino et al., 2020). Colliers International Property Consultants Limited (2015) recommends repurposing country houses and large institutions for residential use. Heritage buildings can provide an opportunity to experience unique architectural styles while indulging in historical nostalgia, but careful planning is required to minimize potential problems.

Rental activities and heritage preservation can have positive and negative effects, depending on renters’ intentions and actions (Lin, 2020). Short-term rentals can increase public engagement and revitalize urban areas, but concerns exist regarding cultural integrity and over-tourism, which may lead to the degradation of heritage properties (Lin, 2020). Proper management is necessary to ensure the sustainability and cultural value of heritage properties over time. Preserving heritage buildings while ensuring their economic viability requires balancing property value and impact on heritage tourism (Econsult Corporation & Urban Partners, 2011). However, managing rental activities can pose significant challenges, including financing and maintenance costs, tenant turnover rates, legal liabilities, and insurance coverage needs (Texas Private Real Property Rights Preservation Act Guidelines, Grimes [1996]). Landlords could consider investing in energy-efficient upgrades or partnering with property managers specializing in efficient upkeep operations at lower costs to manage multiple properties simultaneously. Proper planning and execution are critical for successfully managing rentals as a means of preserving heritage properties (Texas Private Real Property Rights Preservation Act Guidelines, Grimes [1996]).

As-Salt’s architectural heritage is a true reflection of the city’s diverse cultural past and stands as a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of its builders. The city boasts an extensive collection of buildings that showcase different styles, from traditional houses with beautiful geometric patterns to public structures with Ottoman features. Khlaifat (2019) notes that these buildings provide tangible evidence of As-Salt’s unique history and culture, which developed over centuries due to the city’s strategic location along ancient trade routes. Furthermore, the use of local materials such as limestone and basalt in construction has helped preserve many historical landmarks for future generations. The attention paid to detail in these structures also reveals much about local lifestyles during their respective eras.

Heritage preservation is a crucial topic for As-Salt, as it plays a vital role in preserving the city’s cultural landscape (Khlaifat, 2019). As documented in the Tentative List for As-Salt, the urban core of the city comprises around 650 significant historical buildings that are a reflection of the city’s economic transformation during its ‘Golden Age’ from the 1860s to the 1920s, featuring new building typologies and technical know-how (Heritage Centre, 2021). According to Khraisat (2017), the architectural heritage in As-Salt City represents the region’s identity and culture, serving as a link between the past and the present. Therefore, it is critical to maintain and rehabilitate this heritage to preserve it. Thus, the preservation and revitalization of As-Salt’s building heritage are necessary to sustain its cultural identity and promote tourism in the region.

As-Salt’s architectural heritage reflects its diverse cultural past, featuring traditional houses with geometric patterns and public structures with Ottoman features built with local materials like limestone and basalt (Khlaifat, 2019). These buildings reveal much about local lifestyles during their respective eras and provide tangible evidence of As-Salt’s unique history and culture (Khlaifat, 2019). As-Salt’s urban core has about 650 significant historical buildings that are a reflection of the city’s economic transformation during its ‘Golden Age’ from the 1860s to the 1920s, featuring new building typologies and technical know-how (Heritage Centre, 2021). Therefore, preserving and rehabilitating As-Salt’s building heritage is critical to maintaining the city’s cultural identity and promoting tourism in the region (Khraisat, 2017; Heritage Centre, 2021).

Rental activities in As-Salt’s heritage buildings have increased after its UNESCO World Heritage Site announcement. The impact of rentals on the preservation of privately owned heritage buildings in the city is a subject of debate. While historic district designation can promote residential renovations, Curtis (1979) notes that neglecting repairs and maintenance can lead to deterioration. Fang et al. (2021) found that community involvement in heritage preservation is essential and influenced by factors like environmental protection behavior and recognition of heritage value. Fouad and Messallam (2018) emphasized the importance of community involvement in the preservation of historic cities like As-Salt. Thus, our study will examine the perception of As-Salt residents regarding the impact of rental activities on the preservation of heritage buildings. We aim to explore the variables of rental activities and their impact on heritage building preservation. The study will provide insights to encourage community involvement in heritage preservation in As-Salt.

3. Method and Data

This study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to achieve its objectives. A qualitative method was used to obtain a comprehensive understanding of rental activities’ impact on heritage building preservation in As-Salt. Two groups of respondents were interviewed: experts and stakeholders. The experts’ group comprised five individuals selected based on their knowledge and experience in relevant fields such as heritage building restoration, urban planning, and municipal policy-making. The stakeholders’ group consisted of eight respondents from various urban sectors in As-Salt, including heritage building owners, tenants, and business owners. According to the annual report for Greater As-Salt Municipality (2022), the number of heritage buildings in the city is 1161, and only 620 buildings are occupied, while 541 buildings are unoccupied. Hence, this study investigated all occupied buildings which is estimated at 620 buildings. The questionnaire was distributed online to individuals. Only 286 questionnaires were returned completely, yielding a response rate of 46%.

4. Results and Discussion

5. Conclusions and Recommendations

This study underwrites valuable insights into the existing literature on heritage buildings by investigating the influence of rental activities on the preservation of heritage buildings in Jordan. By identifying and addressing key challenges and opportunities, our research delivers crucial information for decision-making processes and improves knowledge in a field where research on heritage buildings in Middle Eastern countries is limited. The findings of this study have practical implications for heritage preservation practices and can guide future research in this area.

The findings of the study suggest that residents of As-salt city comprehend the potential benefits and drawbacks of rental activities on heritage buildings, and are supportive of efforts to balance economic benefits with the cultural and historical significance of these buildings. The study highlights the importance of regulations and guidelines to protect heritage buildings from the negative impacts of rental activities and suggests that financial incentives can provide an economic incentive for heritage building owners to invest in preservation.

The study proposes establishing a system to track tenants’ activities and records to determine their eligibility to rent a heritage building. Moreover, a municipal department should be launched to conduct regular checks on these buildings while rented. Pre-housing sessions for tenants should be conducted to educate them about the importance of preserving these buildings, and the municipality should keep records of each rental agreement and approve these actions.

To further support the preservation of heritage buildings, laws should be created to incentivize owners to maintain and preserve their properties while punishing tenants who engage in actions that lead to the deterioration of heritage buildings.

The study recommends investigating the social and environmental sustainability implications of rentals in As-Salt. Buildings should also be classified as either rentable or at high risk and not rentable, and buildings at high risk should be acquired by the municipality, restored, and made available for investment opportunities in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment in Jordan. Guidelines should be developed for both owners and tenants regarding the restoration, maintenance, and proper use of heritage buildings.

It is intended to involve local communities and stakeholders in the development and implementation of these recommendations to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. This can be attained through community engagement programs, workshops, and awareness-raising campaigns. It is also critical to establish partnerships with relevant governmental and nongovernmental organizations, such as the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Greater Amman Municipality, and local heritage preservation NGOs, to influence their expertise and resources.

Finally, regular monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of these recommendations is essential to measure their impact and identify areas for improvement. A contact information system should be created by the municipality to allow the community to report any illegal actions on heritage buildings, and a project using 3D modeling technology should be developed to help restore buildings to their original status. Additionally, a virtual museum should be created to allow owners of heritage buildings to benefit from them economically.