Catalonia will cap seasonal rental prices for homes used as residences

The Govern, together with ERC, Comuns and the CUP, has reached a historic agreement to regulate this type of contract, which is increasingly common in cities such as Barcelona and which until now had escaped any price controls.

The new housing decree, which will be voted on this Wednesday in the Parlament, establishes that seasonal rentals—intended for short or temporary stays of up to 11 months—must also comply with the price caps set by law in stressed market areas.

The measure does not eliminate this type of rental, but it does impose limits intended to curb abuses and combat speculation. Contracts will have to state clearly that they are seasonal rental agreements, and the tenant will have to prove that their usual residence is elsewhere.

In addition, it establishes that the total price of rooms in a shared flat may not exceed the maximum price that renting the whole flat would have.

Another major new feature will be the creation of a housing inspectorate, whose members will be able to review contracts, detect irregularities and penalise landlords who fail to comply with the regulations.

Lastly, protection for official-protection housing (VPO) flats in stressed areas is strengthened, extending the years during which these homes may not move to the free market and limiting their purchase to people registered in the official register.

Catalonia is thus taking a further step to protect tenants and curb the seasonal-rental bubble, which had turned many homes into a luxury business suitable only for a few.