The Catalan authorities have decided to create a new agency to support citizens at risk of losing their homes. This step is part of an agreement reached in the spring between the government and left-wing parties. The region will now have a special service dedicated to assisting people facing eviction, providing help at every stage of the process.
At the same time, a register of major property owners is being launched. Everyone who owns more than five apartments or houses will be required to submit their information. Failure to register will incur heavy fines—from 9,000 to 90,000 euros. This approach will allow the government to better control the rental market and ensure that landlords meet their social obligations.
The new agency, named the Residential Stability and Protection Service (SPER), will be funded by the budget for the next four years. The team will include fifty specialists who will support families from the moment eviction risk arises until the issue is fully resolved. The main focus is on an individual approach, legal support, and active mediation between tenants and property owners.
Register of Major Property Owners: Transparency and Oversight
The introduction of a registry of major property owners is another key element of the reform. Now, anyone who owns a significant number of properties will be required to disclose information about their assets. This will not only allow authorities to monitor compliance with housing laws, but also provide greater transparency for tenants. A dedicated online portal will be launched where tenants can verify whether their landlord is officially registered.
The authorities expect that these measures will help reduce speculation in the market and strengthen protection for the most vulnerable citizens. Moreover, the registry will speed up the process of imposing sanctions on those who break the rules, and ensure more effective coordination between government bodies.
A comprehensive approach to the eviction problem
The reform includes not only support for families, but also stronger legal assistance. The Reallotgem program will be improved to provide higher quality help for those in difficult circumstances. Special attention is being given to coordination between the various departments of Catalonia’s housing agency, so that threats of eviction can be addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
All of this became possible thanks to political agreements reached in May. Left-wing parties insisted on fulfilling these conditions before any new budget initiatives were discussed. As a result, despite the lack of an approved budget, regional authorities are implementing a set of measures aimed at protecting tenants’ rights and combating unfair practices in the housing market.
