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The Spanish government has proposed extending measures against evictions until the end of 2030 to strengthen tenant protections and address concerns over housing affordability.
A housing shortage and rising rents have become major political issues in the country. The eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her home on a stretcher on Sept. 23 drew widespread criticism and intensified protests over housing policy.
Calls for stronger tenant protections in Madrid
Hundreds of protesters continued their demonstration in central Madrid late Tuesday, demanding a freeze on rents and the automatic renewal of contracts without rent increases.
Housing Minister Isabel Rodriguez said the government intended to strengthen the “social shield” aimed at preventing vulnerable people from losing their homes.
“We must not allow an incident like the case of Maricarmen Abascal to happen again in our country. Spanish society cannot allow this. It is a call for help that all political groups represented in parliament must hear. We must firmly prevent speculation. This is a constitutional requirement,” the minister said.
According to Rodriguez, the protective measures will be extended until Dec. 31, 2030. The mechanisms used by public authorities to prevent evictions and support people at risk of losing their homes will also be strengthened.
Automatic renewal of rental contracts planned
The proposals have been agreed with the government’s coalition partner, Sumar, and will form part of a broader housing reform package.
The measures include the automatic renewal of rental contracts and restrictions aimed at preventing “vulture funds” from engaging in speculative property purchases.
“This bill provides for the automatic renewal of rental contracts in our country. Safeguards for different circumstances have been prepared by drawing on other European regulations,” Rodriguez said.
The reforms are expected to provide residents with greater stability and reduce uncertainty in rental markets that have seen sharp price increases in several Spanish cities in recent years.
Proposals to be debated in parliament on Oct. 2
The measures will be divided into two separate decrees. Most of the changes will be included in the first package. Both documents are scheduled to be debated and put to a vote in parliament on Friday, Oct. 2.
The outcome of the parliamentary vote will determine whether the government’s initiative to strengthen tenant protections can move forward.
