Discover the new rental laws in Spain and Catalonia in 2025. Rent caps, stressed zones, obligations and penalties. Inmomerkat explains everything.

Why Have Rental Laws Changed in 2025?In 2025, Spain’s rental market entered a new phase of regulation. The introduction of national and regional laws (especially in Catalonia) aims to stabilize prices, protect tenants, and ensure legal transparency in rental agreements.In this blog post by Inmomerkat, you’ll find:

•A clear breakdown of the current rental laws in Spain (2025).

•A detailed look at Catalonia’s specific regulations.

•Essential obligations and tips for property owners and real estate agents.

 Housing Rights Law 12/2023What is Law 12/2023 about?Approved in May 2023 and fully enforced by 2025, this law aims to guarantee access to decent housing.

Key elements include:

•Declaring stressed rental zones.

•Enforcing official rent reference indexes.

•A large property holder is defined as owning 5 or more units in a stressed zone.

•Contract extensions of up to 3 years in certain areas.What Is a Stressed Zone?A stressed zone meets one or both of these criteria:

•Rent costs exceed 30% of average household income.

•Rents have increased by more than 3% in the past 5 years.

📌 Effect: new rental contracts in these zones must align with the official reference index.

Short-Term Rental Register: NRA Number Now RequiredAs of July 2025:•All short-term rental properties must be registered with a Rental Registry Number (NRA).

•Platforms like Airbnb must verify this number.•Without it, the property cannot legally be listed or rented.

Decree-Law 1/2025 – Stricter ControlsRent caps and contract transparencyCatalonia applies stricter rental controls under Decree-Law 1/2025:

•The rent in new contracts must match the government-published rent index.

•Contracts and listings must include:

•Previous rent amount.

•Whether the landlord is a large property holder.

•Confirmation that the property is in a stressed zone.Penalties and fines in 2025

•Rent exceeding +30% = serious violation.

•No justification = very serious violation.

•Fines up to €900,000 for illegal practices, misleading advertising, or non-disclosure.

 Room Rentals and Seasonal Leasing Also RegulatedSince April 2025:

•Room rentals and seasonal leases (if used as primary residence) are subject to rent limits.

•The landlord must prove a valid reason: studies, job, or health.

•Tourist rentals must have a proper license and verifiable tourist use.

  Large Property Holders: New Registry and Legal DutiesUnder Decree-Law 2/2025, large landlords must:

•Register in the official Catalonia property holder registry.

•State their status in all contracts.

•Follow stricter price limits and provide justification for increases.

📌 You are a large property holder if:

•You own 10+ properties in Catalonia.

•Or 5+ in a stressed zone.

 Summary for Property Owners and Agencies Like Inmomerkat

✅ Check if your property is in a stressed zone

✅ Apply the official rent index when setting the price

✅ Register as a large property holder if needed

✅ Include all mandatory information in ads and contracts

✅ Do not use seasonal rental contracts without valid proof

✅ Avoid penalties by following the updated regulations

 Practical Advice from Inmomerkat

📌 For listings:Include the previous rent, NRA number, and rent index.

📌 For contracts:Use templates compliant with 2025 legislation.

📌 For investors:Review profitability under the new rent cap system and target compliant tenant profiles.

Need Help Adjusting Your Rentals to the New Law?

At Inmomerkat, we help landlords:

🔒 Avoid fines

📋 Stay fully compliant

📈 Maximize returns while staying within the law

➡ Contact us today:

📞 ‪+34 619 377 255‬

📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.inmomerkat.com 

•Stressed Zones in Catalonia

•Official Rent Index

•BOE – National Housing Law