Spain's rent arrears plan could halt evictions
In Spain, unpaid rent could stop leading to eviction for vulnerable tenants: a new decree gives authorities two months to find them another home or cover what they owe. Spain’s official gazette published the measure in Madrid on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, as part of two housing decrees. The main decree is due to take effect on Thursday, but still needs approval from parliament’s Permanent Deputation following the dissolution of parliament.
Two months to find a home or pay the debt
The deadline starts when the authorities receive notice from the court of an eviction case. If they cannot offer the tenant another home, they must pay the landlord — or deposit with the court — the unpaid rent, rent that has since fallen due and legal costs. That clears the debt, stops the eviction and keeps the tenancy in place.
If the authorities neither provide a home nor pay, they become liable to the landlord. The tenant can stay until the contract ends, provided they remain economically vulnerable. The state will reimburse Spain’s autonomous regions for costs they take on.
Wider protection and changes to rental rules
The decree also halts evictions of vulnerable people until 31 December 2030 when the claim comes from a fund or company that buys unpaid debts or property below market value in bulk. For other claimants, a halt can last up to three years, with annual reviews and compensation for lost rent and utility costs.
Temporary lets without a justified reason, or more than two such contracts in a row, would count as ordinary residential tenancies. For homes rented room by room, the total rent cannot exceed the price of letting the whole property. Surcharges of up to 150% on property tax for tourist flats and empty homes are due to take effect on 1 January 2027.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com