Spain rent extension could be axed before it starts

Spain's automatic rent extension could be scrapped before it takes effect: the government plans to publish the decree on Thursday, just a day before a vote in Madrid. The Council of Ministers approved it on Tuesday at the urging of Sumar and the tenants’ union Sindicato de Inquilinas. Spain’s Congress of Deputies is due to vote at 11am on Friday.

Why the decree is still unpublished

Housing minister Isabel Rodríguez says the decree will appear on Thursday in Spain’s official state gazette, which publishes laws before they take effect. Social rights minister Pablo Bustinduy says drafting the text has taken time.

Congressional sources say the government has already sent both of its housing decrees to parliamentary groups. That gives members the required 48 hours to examine them before the vote, even though the rent extension has not yet been published.

A vote that could stop the extension

PP, Vox and Junts have said they will vote against the rent decree, putting it at risk of repeal on the day it is due to take effect. Decrees normally have to go before Congress within 30 days of publication, but the government has brought this vote forward.

A separate housing decree was published on Wednesday. It includes protection against evictions and tax assistance for property owners, and is due to take effect the following day.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Housing · Politics · Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com