Spain approves housing decrees extending eviction ban to 2030 following nationwide protests

Cabinet approves twin decrees

Spain's cabinet approved two decrees on Tuesday to address escalating tenant costs and housing shortages. The measures extend a ban on evicting vulnerable tenants without alternative accommodation until 2030 and bar investment funds from purchasing residential properties until 2028. The main decree also implements a two-year extension for rental agreements scheduled to expire by 31 December 2028 and establishes regulations for room rentals and short-term lettings. A second decree contains provisions for the automatic renewal of leases, separating the most contested policy from the broader package following negotiations between the governing Socialist Party and coalition partner Sumar.

Health Minister Mónica García welcomed the cabinet agreement on social media.

It's time to intervene in the speculative housing market and begin to restore the balance between citizens and vulture funds.

The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal

The legislative push followed public anger over the eviction of 87-year-old pensioner María del Carmen Abascal from her home in Madrid's Retiro neighborhood on 23 September 2026. Abascal, who uses a wheelchair, had lived in the apartment for seven decades after her father first rented it in 1956. The building owner, investment entity UrbaGestion, raised her monthly rent by 275% to 2,650 euros, which was upheld by the Spanish Supreme Court. Abascal was removed from the property on a stretcher and hospitalized, becoming a focal point for housing reform campaigns.

Her lawyer, Beatriz Duro, announced a preliminary agreement on Monday night allowing Abascal to return under a lease capped at 30% of her pension, or approximately 500 euros monthly, for eight years.

She should never have been forced to leave. I hope this case serves to provide a collective response to the housing crisis.

Nationwide encampments and union demands

Following the eviction, protesters established an encampment in Madrid's Puerta del Sol on Saturday night, expanding to approximately 100 tents by Tuesday. Demonstrations and satellite camps also emerged in Seville, Málaga, Santiago de Compostela, and Palma de Mallorca. Protesters called for an immediate rent freeze, universal lease extensions, and an absolute prohibition on evictions where alternative housing is lacking. The Tenants' Union criticized the government's decision to split the measures into two decrees, demanding the full implementation of the proposals without parliamentary dilution.

Union spokesperson Alicia Del Río argued that dividing the package weakened tenant protections before the legislative vote.

It's a tactic of tearing something into shreds so that all that's left are scraps.

Parliamentary hurdles in Congress

The minority coalition led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez lacks an absolute majority and must secure congressional approval within 30 days of the decrees being published. The government has requested a special parliamentary session on Friday to vote on the package. Conservative Catalan and Basque regional parties hold decisive votes. Junts spokesperson Miriam Nogueras stated that the party requires distinct treatment for small property owners, who hold the majority of Spanish rental properties, rather than applying the same rules to retail investors and large investment funds.

Congressional debate on the decrees is scheduled to begin at the end of the week.