Catalonia closes the loophole in temporary and room rentals and extends rent caps.

The Parliament of Catalonia has approved a reform of the housing law aimed at preventing the use of temporary rentals and room-by-room leasing to bypass rent caps. From now on, all non-tourist rental contracts, regardless of their duration, will be subject to price regulation in designated high-pressure areas, with the goal of curbing speculation and guaranteeing access to housing.

Under the new rules, large property owners and homes rented out for the first time must strictly comply with the state reference index, while small landlords must keep the previous contract price, updated in line with inflation. Temporary rentals for work, academic or medical reasons remain allowed, but their purpose must be documented and the contract registered with Incasòl.

Regarding room rentals, the total sum of all rents may not exceed the maximum price set for the entire dwelling, a measure designed to curb abuses and the expansion of coliving business models. The law also strengthens inspections and enforcement, with fines of up to €900,000.

The regional government and social organizations welcome the reform as a step forward in treating housing as a right, while the real estate sector and parts of the opposition warn of potential negative impacts on supply and legal certainty.