Royal Decree-Law 29/2026: What changes for renting in Catalonia?

Royal Decree-Law 29/2026 has been in force since 8 October 2026. It introduces new measures to protect tenants and regulate the housing market, with significant implications for Catalonia.

For existing agreements, tenants may request an extraordinary extension of up to two years if they meet the legal requirements, including being up to date with payments over the preceding eight months. Until 31 December 2027, rent adjustments are also restricted: if they exceed the maximum under the applicable national index, they cannot be increased; in other cases, any increase may not exceed 2% without a new agreement.

For new agreements, tenants' rights are strengthened: housing-related taxes cannot be passed on to them, nor can they be required to take out rent-default insurance. Additional security is generally limited to two months' rent for primary-residence leases and one month's rent for temporary leases.

Short-term and seasonal letting is also more strictly regulated. The temporary reason must be justified and documented, and the general duration cannot exceed twelve months unless that reason warrants a longer period. Unjustified successive agreements may be treated as primary-residence leases. For room rentals, the combined rents cannot exceed the rent for the entire property.

In Catalonia, these measures complement Law 11/2025, which had already strengthened oversight of seasonal and room rentals, particularly in areas of high housing pressure. The new national rules extend protections and require lease terms to be reviewed, taking into account transitional arrangements for agreements already signed.

Royal Decree-Law 29/2026 was ratified by the Standing Committee of the Congress of Deputies on 12 November 2026, according to the decision published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on 13 November 2026 (BOE-A-2026-23755). Landlords and tenants should therefore understand their new rights and obligations and take account of transitional provisions and possible subsequent legislative changes.