This Tuesday, the Congress of Deputies will resume the processing of the bill to regulate seasonal and room rentals. An initiative presented by Sumar, ERC, EH Bildu, Podemos and BNG, with the aim of preventing these contracts from being outside the regulatory framework established by the Housing Law.
The initiative was admitted for processing in December 2024, and the amendments were presented last May. However, according to Europa Press, it has not been until now that the presentation meeting that will begin to debate the text and the modification proposals has been called.
The delay in the progress of this initiative has caused friction between the PSOE and its parliamentary partners, especially with ERC and Sumar, who have publicly expressed their discomfort at the long deadlines. The reactivation of this standard occurs in full rformation of Junts with the Governmentwhich increases pressure on the parliamentary support of the Executive.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, directed by Isabel Rodríguez, has welcomed the reactivation of the process and has indicated that the regulation of these contracts is “essential” to stop the fraud that is occurring with this type of rental, especially in large cities. The minister has urged the groups to work for an agreement that allows the reform to move forward.
A reform of the Urban Leases Law
The bill proposes a modification of the Urban Leasing Law (LAU) with the objective of equating seasonal contracts with those for habitual residence, especially in areas declared stressed, to avoid their fraudulent use as a formula to avoid legal limitations on prices.
Key measures include the landlord’s obligation to justify the need for temporary employment, in terms comparable to those required by labor legislation.
In addition, it is established that the seasonal contract may not exceed nine months and that, if more than two consecutive contracts are linked or this duration is exceeded, it will be considered a rental of a habitual residence, with all the obligations that this implies: minimum terms, extensions and rights of the tenant included.