Government plans new cap on rent hikes for pre-2023 leases amid eviction controversy
Spain's government is negotiating a decree to limit rent increases on contracts signed before 2023, following a high-profile eviction case.
The forced removal of 87-year-old Maricarmen by Urbagestión this week has revived calls for a new housing decree that the government hopes to present to the cabinet soon. Sources close to the negotiations say the executive is also drafting a tool to halt rent adjustments on leases signed before 2023, which are still tied to the consumer-price index. Contracts signed after that date follow a different, less volatile benchmark that limits increases.
The measure would activate a ceiling if rent growth accelerates, addressing concerns about rising living costs. Inflation has recently surged, driven largely by higher fuel and energy prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The government previously introduced a temporary 2 % cap on rent updates, but that rule expired after a brief parliamentary debate.
Why it matters
Rent caps could protect millions of Spanish tenants from steep price hikes as inflation rises.
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