Catalonia's price controls on seasonal rentals threaten to destabilise the entire rental market

Spain's Constitutional Court has agreed to hear a complaint from more than 50 opposition deputies against Catalonia's housing and planning law of 11/2025. The legislation extends price controls beyond long-term rentals to include seasonal lettings and room rentals—categories previously exempt except for tourist properties.

Opposition parties argue the law violates the constitution by restricting property owners' rights, overstepping state authority and breaching legal certainty principles. Two independent academic reports have also criticised the legislation, contending that seasonal rentals cannot be equated with standard residential tenancies.

Lawmakers intended the measure to prevent owners from converting long-term rental properties into seasonal lets to circumvent price caps. However, critics warn that strict controls will simply drive properties off the market. Landlords will sell assets, move into co-living arrangements or withdraw access entirely.

For Barcelona and other cities, this could prove critical—seasonal rentals support students, migrants and temporary workers. While the court has yet to rule, one of Spain's most ambitious housing laws now faces judicial scrutiny.