The law, which closes one of the avenues used to circumvent the existing rent caps for habitual residences in Catalonia, received favorable votes from the entire left bloc: PSC-Units, ERC, Comuns, and the CUP. This regulation stems from a previous decree that was modified by the left-wing majority during the parliamentary process to introduce the new regulations.
“"Profit is legitimate when it is positive for the community, while it cannot be considered profit if it fills one pocket or a few pockets and causes losses for the rest."
The new regulation establishes that any rental intended for the “satisfaction of housing needs” will be considered “permanent,” regardless of the contract duration, thus subjecting it to price regulation in stressed areas. Seasonal rentals will only be those proven to be for recreational or tourist use. Furthermore, the law protects about 35,000 housing units that would have otherwise lost their subsidized status in the coming years.
“"Public intervention in the housing market is urgent and a priority."
The opposition from the right was outright. Junts Deputy Glòria Freixa accused the left-wing majority of legislating “through the back door” and defended the need to attract private investment. Meanwhile, Àngels Esteller of the PPC described the regulation as an attack on private property and questioned its constitutionality, while Mònica Lora of Vox criticized the “legal insecurity” of the norm.
