New regulation on temporary accommodation in Catalonia: What has changed from 2026?

As of January 1st, 2026, Catalonia has implemented a significant update to its housing
framework with the entry into force of Law 11/2025. This reform introduces stricter rules
governing temporary accommodation, aiming to bring greater transparency and control to a
segment of the rental market that has historically been more flexible.

A clear objective: Preventing misuse of temporary contracts
The primary goal of the new regulation is to ensure that temporary rental agreements are not
used to bypass existing Spanish housing laws, particularly rent control measures in high demand
areas. In cities like Barcelona, where housing pressure is especially high, authorities
have observed cases where temporary contracts were used as a workaround to avoid rent caps
applied to long-term leases.
To address this, the new law introduces enhanced verification mechanisms. Authorities will now
more closely examine whether a rental agreement genuinely qualifies as temporary.

Stronger documentation requirements
Under the updated rules, both tenants (or companies) and landlords must clearly justify the
temporary nature of the stay. This means providing concrete supporting documentation, such
as:
– Temporary work assignments
– Project-based relocations

Impact on companies and international mobility
This regulatory shift will have some impact on both relocations and companies managing
employee mobility and their international assignments in Catalonia.
From a relocation perspective, the regulatory environment in Catalonia (and especially in
Barcelona) has become increasingly restrictive in recent years, particularly regarding both
temporary and long-term accommodation.
That said, the entry into force of Law 11/2025 and its practical implementation are still at an early
stage. Therefore, the actual operational impact will largely depend on how local authorities and
registries implement the verification requirements over the coming months. As a result, some
temporary accommodation providers are already requesting authorization explicitly stating that
the stay will be for a limited, temporary period.

At this stage, we are already observing:

• Increased documentation requirements from temporary accommodation providers.
• Rising accommodation prices in line with the new regulatory framework.
• A highly pressured real estate market, with demand significantly exceeding supply,
  further intensified by these increasingly restrictive regulations.

Temporary housing has long been a key solution for assignees and companies, offering flexibility
and speed. However, from a corporate perspective, stricter controls may lead to:
– A decrease in the availability of short-term rental options
– Longer approval processes due to additional checks
– More demanding security deposits and contractual requirements
As a result, companies will need to anticipate housing needs earlier and incorporate more
detailed planning into their mobility strategies.
However, it remains to be seen how the market will evolve over the coming months and how the
practical enforcement of these requirements will fully develop.

Broader implications for long-term assignments
Although the regulation primarily targets temporary accommodation, its effects will also extend
to long-term assignments. With fewer flexible housing options available, the overall rental
market may tighten, making it more challenging to secure suitable accommodation for extended
stays. In fact, many of the apartments that were previously listed on major real estate platforms
but used as short-term accommodation have now been removed, resulting in a significant
decrease in the number of available listings online.

Key takeaway
These changes are still unfolding, as the operational impact is not yet fully visible; however, their
effects are likely to become clearer in the near future. Organizations and individuals planning
assignments in Catalonia will need to take this new environment into consideration. Early
preparation, proper documentation, and realistic budgeting will be essential to navigate the
evolving housing landscape effectively.
Being proactive is no longer optional – it is a necessary step to ensure smooth and compliant
relocation processes in 2026 and beyond.

MRS MANAGEMENT team
For any further information, please feel free to contact Giulia Annunziata, Head of Customer
Service:
Email: ga@mrsmgt.com
T : +39 02 3823 6276
M: + 39 344 186 8822