As of January 1, 2026, a new regulation has come into force in Catalonia, introducing significant changes to the way short-term rental contracts are formalized. The main objective of this regulation is to strengthen oversight, prevent fraudulent use, and clearly define when this type of rental is applicable.
One of the key points is that not all short-term rentals are regulated in the same way. Contracts signed for work-related, professional, medical, or study purposes are now governed, in many respects, by the rules applicable to permanent residential leases. This includes, among other aspects, the application of rent limits.
The regulation also places strong emphasis on justifying the temporary nature of the contract. The purpose of the lease must be expressly stated and supported by documentation. This documentation must be submitted together with the security deposit to the relevant official registry.
Finally, the new framework introduces greater supervision and control mechanisms. Monitoring of advertisements and contracts is reinforced to detect fraudulent arrangements and ensure compliance with current regulations.