ERC files bill for mandatory lease renewals
Esquerra Republicana (ERC) has formally registered a proposed law in the Catalan Parliament that would compel large property owners to renew residential leases under specific conditions. Announced by ERC spokesperson Ester Capella during Wednesday’s parliamentary session, the measure aims to strengthen tenant stability and limit evictions in Catalonia. Under the proposal, large landlords would be required to offer indefinite or long-term lease extensions, particularly in cases involving vulnerable tenants. If landlords refuse to renew despite legal conditions being met, tenants could claim financial compensation. The initiative targets corporate or institutional property holders with significant housing portfolios. Capella stressed that Catalonia must not wait for decisions from Madrid on housing policy. "Catalunya cannot remain dependent on what Madrid decides," she said, citing previous regional actions to cap rents in high-pressure areas, regulate short-term lets, and impose penalties for violations.
Seven-year minimum tenancies planned
The draft legislation proposes establishing a minimum seven-year duration for primary residence leases, removing the current distinction between five- and seven-year terms based on whether the landlord is an individual or a legal entity. For major landlords, the bill introduces mandatory renewals unless legally justified grounds for termination exist. Where contracts are not renewed despite qualifying conditions, tenants would have a statutory right to compensation. The move comes as part of broader efforts to address housing insecurity, following recent Spanish government decrees on rental protections that require parliamentary support to take effect.
- The bill was submitted to the Parliament of Catalonia
- It seeks integration into the Catalan Civil Code
- A prior law, Llei d'ampliació de mesures urgents per fer front a l'emergència habitacional, was approved in 2025
"We didn’t wait to limit rent prices. We didn’t wait to regulate holiday rentals or room lets. Why should we wait now?", Ester Capella, ERC spokesperson
Govern signals full use of legal powers
Sílvia Paneque, Catalonia’s Minister of Housing, affirmed the government’s commitment to act “within the fullest extent of the regulatory framework” to expand housing protections. She confirmed that the shared ownership programme for residents over 40 will proceed, stating it complies with Catalan civil law. Paneque also defended the creation of an anti-eviction unit, describing it as effective for preventive and localised intervention. She acknowledged delays in setting up the body were due to concerns about constitutional challenges, particularly from the People’s Party, which has signalled intent to challenge such measures at the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat, rejected criticism from opposition parties, accusing the PP of undermining housing rights during past national governments. He dismissed claims that his shared ownership plan amounted to expropriation, calling them politically motivated. Opposition leaders, including from Junts and PPC, criticised the administration for insufficient action, with Junts displaying a blank sheet of paper to symbolise perceived legislative stagnation.
Reported by 20minutos.es, Departament d'Edicions del Parlament de Catalunya, elnacional.cat, 3cat.cat, beteve.cat, Parlament de Catalunya, parlament.cat, elpais.com, 20 Minutos Barcelona.
