LEGAL ALERT: SHORT-TERM LEASE CONTRACTS CHANGE TODAY
If you are a landlord renting out a property in Barcelona, pay close attention: as of yesterday, the new regulation has come into force, classifying most short-term lease contracts as long-term leases.
What does this mean in practice? It is no longer enough to state that the contract is for 11 months in order to avoid rent controls or mandatory renewals. If the tenant does not have a real, justified, and provable reason for temporary residency (studies, a temporary work transfer, renovations in their home, or other verifiable temporary situations), the contract will be considered a primary residence lease.
– Key risks
· Rent control:
You will be required to adjust the rent to the reference index, as mandated in officially designated high-pressure areas.
· Duration:
If the contract is not properly justified, the tenant may have the right to remain for up to 5 or 7 years, as in a long-term lease.
· Fees:
In many cases, the management and contract formalization fees will be borne by the landlord.
At Finques El Pallars, we are already reviewing all new contracts to ensure our property owners avoid legal surprises. Don’t take risks with a “standard” contract from the internet; today more than ever, legal certainty is what matters most.
If you want to review your situation or make sure your contract complies with the regulations, contact us.
