The Tenants' Union (Sindicat de Llogateres) has urged social and trade union organisations to work towards making a general strike possible. This call follows the Spanish Congress of Deputies' decision to reject a decree that would have extended rental contracts.
Oxfam Intermón warns this rejection could increase tenants' economic overexertion from 35% to 62%. Alejandro García-Gil, Oxfam Intermón's housing policy manager, stated, "The rejection of the rental extension is very bad news. In Congress, they were not just deciding on contracts. Our political representatives were voting on the stability of millions of lives." He added, "When access to housing breaks down, the possibility of building a dignified life project also breaks down. This measure was not the definitive solution, but it was an urgent barrier to prevent millions of families from being forced to leave their homes."
Impact on Rental Contracts
The Financial Users' Association (ASUFIN) believes the predictable rejection will not stop extensions requested during the 30 days the decree was in force. The Tenants' Union agrees, confirming that extensions requested during that month must be respected. The organisation has prepared response models for real estate agencies and landlords who might question these valid requests.
Additionally, the Tenants' Union reminds residents that three-year extensions linked to the Urban Leases Act (Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos) still apply in stressed areas, which include most of Catalonia. This measure did not depend on the recently rejected decree.
Political Criticism and Housing Concerns
The Housing Call (La Crida per l’Habitatge) and the Tenants' Union criticise Junts per Catalunya for siding with the People's Party (PP) and Vox. They argue Junts chose to "support investment funds" rather than the Catalan population. Both organisations lament that Junts has "turned their backs on millions of people" to "protect rentierism."
The Housing Call estimates that Barcelona has over 80 buildings bought by investment funds. Tenants in these buildings face potential eviction as owners convert flats into seasonal or luxury rentals. This situation highlights the ongoing housing crisis affecting many residents in the city and across Catalonia.
Moving forward, the Tenants' Union's call for a general strike signals growing frustration over housing affordability and stability. The rejection of the rental extension decree intensifies pressure on political parties to address the region's significant housing challenges.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
