Catalonia’s controversial attempt to extend rent controls to seasonal lets and room rentals is now facing a constitutional challenge, adding fresh uncertainty to an already strained rental market.
The Spanish Constitutional Court has agreed to hear a challenge brought by more than 50 MPs from the opposition People’s Party (PP) against several provisions of Catalonia’s Housing and Urban Planning Law 11/2025, which came into force in January.
The law effectively extends rent controls to most residential rental contracts in designated stressed housing areas, regardless of contract duration. Seasonal rentals for work, study or medical reasons, along with room rentals, are now subject to the same pricing restrictions as long-term residential lets, removing much of their appeal for landlords who comply with the rules. Only tourist and holiday rentals remain exempt.
The PP argues that parts of the law may exceed Catalonia’s powers, infringe areas of exclusive state competence, and potentially violate constitutional principles relating to legal certainty, data protection, retroactivity, and local government autonomy.
The legal challenge follows the publication of two independent legal reports that also raised concerns about the law’s constitutionality.
One report, by administrative law professor Joan Manuel Trayter of the University of Girona, questions the expanded powers granted to housing inspectors, including their status as agents of authority and their broad enforcement powers. The report suggests these measures may conflict with fundamental rights and legal safeguards.
A second report, prepared by housing law academics Sergio Nasarre, Héctor Simón and Gemma Caballé, argues that the legislation improperly treats seasonal rentals as ordinary residential tenancies. According to the authors, this conflicts with national legislation, which distinguishes between primary residence contracts and rentals for other purposes. They also suggest the law may interfere with property rights, freedom of enterprise, and Spain’s single market framework.
Background
The Catalan government introduced the measures to stop landlords switching properties from the long-term rental market into seasonal lets in order to avoid rent controls. Supporters argue the law is necessary to protect tenants and increase affordability.
Critics, however, warn that tighter controls are likely to further reduce rental supply without significantly lowering rents. Many landlords may instead opt to sell, withdraw properties from the market, or move towards alternative housing models such as coliving.
The Constitutional Court’s decision to hear the case does not mean the law will be struck down. However, it does ensure that one of the most ambitious and controversial housing interventions in Spain will now face judicial scrutiny.
For landlords, investors and tenants alike, the result could have significant implications for the future of the rental market in Catalonia, particularly in cities such as Barcelona where seasonal rentals have become an important source of housing for students, expatriates and temporary workers.
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