The impact of legislation on rents
The recent approval of the state housing law has caused an unexpected turn in the rental market in Catalonia. Efforts to set a cap on rental prices have led to a notable increase in temporary contracts, leaving behind traditional long-term contracts.
Worrying data: Fall in long-term rentals
According to statistics from the Catalan Land Institute (Incàsol), long-term rentals have experienced an alarming decrease of 19% between 2019 and 2023. In contrast, the growth of temporary contracts has failed to compensate for this fall, resulting in a rental landscape that, paradoxically, is worse than before the pandemic.
Seasonal contracts: a temporary solution with risks
A large part of the seasonal contracts that are signed are actually irregular, with tenants who are not always tourists, but looking for a housing solution. This situation creates an atmosphere of vulnerability for tenants, as temporary contracts, which usually last only eleven months, do not offer the same security as long-term ones.
Advantages for owners
Landlords also see seasonal contracts as an attractive opportunity, as they do not need to obtain licenses, unlike tourist apartments. This, combined with the growing demand, makes it easy for many to choose this rental model.
A worsening economic reality
The current situation has caused a significant increase in the prices of temporary rentals, which can exceed 1,000 euros in areas such as Alt Pirineu and Aran. This directly affects tenants, who are often forced to accept conditions that do not meet their real needs.
Temporary contract statistics
Recent data shows a considerable increase in the number of seasonal contracts in several municipalities. In La Seu d’Urgell, 31 temporary contracts have been signed, a notable increase compared to the previous period. Puigcerdà has registered 63 new contracts, and other towns such as Sort, Alp and Bellver de Cerdanya have also seen a similar growth.
A changing scene
In Bellver de Cerdanya, for example, the number of contracts has increased to 109, an increase of 72 compared to the previous period. These figures reflect not only a change in rental dynamics, but also an adaptation of tenants to a new market reality.
Reflections on the future of the rental market
The current rental scenario in Catalonia highlights the need for a deep review of housing laws and a debate on solutions that truly protect both tenants and owners. The way forward will require a careful analysis of the needs of the market and the impact of legislative measures.