The Spanish government has unveiled plans to extend protections against evictions until the end of 2030 as it seeks to address growing concerns over housing affordability and tenant security.
Housing shortages and rising rents have become major political issues in Spain, with public anger intensifying following the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal last week (23 September) on a stretcher. Her case sparked widespread criticism and prompted fresh demonstrations over housing policy.
Hundreds of protesters remained in central Madrid on Tuesday night calling for stronger tenant protections, including a rent freeze and the automatic renewal of leases without rent increases.
Announcing the proposal, Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez said the government intended to strengthen what it describes as a “social shield” designed to prevent vulnerable people from losing their homes.
“[The decree includes] stopping evictions. We must ensure that we never see another case like that of Maricarmen Abascal in our country. Spanish society cannot afford this. It is a cry for help that all political groups represented in parliament must heed. We must put a firm stop to speculation. This is a constitutional mandate,” Rodriguez said.
She said the government plans to extend the protection measures until 31 December 2030 while enhancing safeguards introduced by public authorities to prevent evictions and support those at risk of losing their homes.
The minister said the proposals had been agreed with the government's coalition partner, Sumar, and would form part of a broader package of housing reforms.
The measures would include provisions for the automatic renewal of tenancy agreements and restrictions aimed at preventing so-called “vulture funds” from engaging in speculative property purchases.
“This is a bill under which we will call for the automatic renewal of tenancy contracts in our country, with safeguards in place for various circumstances, inspired by other European regulations,” Rodríguez said.
The reforms are intended to provide greater stability for renters and reduce uncertainty in a housing market that has seen rents rise sharply in many Spanish cities in recent years.
The proposed measures will be divided into two separate decrees, with the majority of the changes included in the first package. Both are scheduled to be debated and voted on in parliament on Friday, 2 October.
The outcome of Friday's parliamentary vote will determine whether the government's latest attempt to strengthen tenant protections can move forward.
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