Owing money doesn't necessarily imply paying rent. Some countries have net negative interest rates. This is not at strange as it seems. In fact, throughout mos

Owing money doesn't necessarily imply paying rent. Some countries have net negative interest rates. This is not at strange as it seems. In fact, throughout most of history, a negative interest rates on savings were the norm, simply because what was saved was usually grain or rice. People still saved in this manner. Even if 50% had been eaten by rats, having at least some extra food in the famine year would be worth it.