Eviction Ban and Rent Controls Now Law
The Official State Gazette (BOE) has published a royal decree-law that prohibits evictions of vulnerable tenants until 31 December 2030, as part of a broader package of housing measures approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday. Under the new rules, eviction proceedings can be suspended if the affected person is deemed vulnerable, lacks alternative housing, and the property is owned by certain large real estate investment firms known as 'vulture funds'. The suspension applies even if a court order already exists, provided the eviction has not yet taken place.
Protection Extended Where No Alternative Housing Exists
The decree introduces an extraordinary enervation clause: if an autonomous community fails to provide a housing alternative within two months, the eviction must remain suspended until suitable accommodation is offered. The central government will cover the cost of this obligation, excluding late-payment interest.
The approval comes after the eviction of Mari Carmen, an 87-year-old woman from Madrid, who has become one of the cases that have marked the debate in recent weeks on the protection of vulnerable people against evictions.
Rent Increases Capped, Speculative Purchases Limited
The 96-page decree, consisting of 20 articles across six titles, also limits annual rent increases and restricts speculative housing purchases by investment funds. It includes provisions on seasonal rentals and room lettings, fiscal deductions for tenants, and incentives for landlords who lower rents. A second decree focusing on automatic lease renewals is due to be published in the BOE on Thursday. Since the most recently published rule prevails, rental contracts will become indefinite unless Congress overturns the measure during a plenary session scheduled for Friday.
Residents affected by eviction proceedings or seeking information on tenant protections can consult the full text of Royal Decree-Law 26/2026 via the official publication portal.
Reported by elconfidencial.com, Clara Cerrada of, democrata.es, El Confidencial.
