The tenants’ alarm: A worrying reality
A recent study by the Barcelona Urban Research Institute (IDRA) has highlighted an alarming trend in the rental sector, which significantly affects residents of large Spanish cities. The data indicates that a high percentage of tenants, specifically 64.8% in Barcelona and 69.7% in Madrid, allocate more than a third of their monthly income to cover rental expenses and basic services.
An unsustainable burden
The report, which was carried out during the last months of 2022 and 2023, reveals that a third of households in Barcelona are in a critical situation, where rents exceed 50% of their income. This ratio is even more worrying among people who live alone, where almost half are affected. The proliferation of temporary and tourism rental contracts contributes to creating an atmosphere of housing insecurity.
The vulnerability of temporary tenants
According to the study, 47% of households cannot guarantee that they will be able to continue residing in the same home for the next six months. The increase in room rentals and temporary stays has increased the supply of this type of contract by 55%, while traditional rentals have experienced a 15% drop, according to data from the Barcelona Metropolitan Housing Observatory.
Rent increase above the CPI
Another worrying aspect is the increase in rental prices above the consumer price index (CPI). In Barcelona, 61.1% of tenants who have lived in the same apartment for more than five years have had to face rent increases that exceed the CPI, while in Madrid this figure is 45.5%.
Constant movement in the rental market
IDRA also highlights the high mobility in the rental market, with 80% of Barcelona tenants having had to change residence in the last five years. This dynamic particularly affects families: 50% of tenants aged between 35 and 64 have been forced to relocate, including families with children, a situation that can have negative repercussions on their stability.
Invisible evictions and habitability conditions
The report also refers to a worrying phenomenon: ‘invisible evictions’, those that occur without a formal judicial process, often due to pressure from owners or the non-renewal of contracts. In addition, it is highlighted that more than half of the rented homes have habitability deficiencies, including humidity and problems with water and electricity installations.
Proposals for a safer future
Faced with this complex situation, IDRA calls for the implementation of indefinite rental contracts and effective price regulation that adjusts to the economic capacity of tenants. This measure would be key to guaranteeing greater security and protection for those who depend on rental to access decent housing.
