Regulation of seasonal contracts in Catalonia: what will change in 2026

Catalonia is applying new rules for seasonal and room rental contracts, with the aim of protecting residential housing and ensuring greater legal certainty.

The new Law 11/2025, of 29 December, introduces significant changes to the legal framework, including the reform of Law 18/2007 on the right to housing and adjustments to other related regulations.

The new regulations clearly govern the formalisation, registration and supervision of contracts and seek to protect consumers, prevent abusive practices and guarantee legal certainty.

In this article, we explain what is changing and how you can adapt.

New developments in seasonal rental contracts and rooms

Among the most notable measures, the text regulates:

• Two categories of contracts. Two types are established according to duration and purpose: contracts for recreational use and contracts for professional reasons.
• Price caps. All residential properties must comply with the caps established by Catalan regulations. This prevents seasonal rentals from being used as a means of circumventing price controls.
• Purpose and accreditation of seasonal contracts. For a seasonal rental contract to be valid, its purpose must be specified and accredited, thereby preventing misuse.
• Registration and supervision. The regulations provide for the creation of a Register of Large Property Owners and a Supervisory Commission, with new reporting and accreditation obligations, as well as a strengthening of the inspection system.
• Additional housing measures. The reservation of land for public housing in future urban plans is reinforced.
• Habitability requirements for room rental contracts. Room rentals must meet minimum habitability conditions and safety standards.

Impact on owners and managers

Throughout 2025 and early 2026, there has been a significant increase in temporary contracts, including those used to circumvent price limits, which has prompted legislative intervention.

From now on, the clear definition of what is meant by a seasonal contract and the obligation to prove its purpose provide greater security for all parties.

With this change, any contract that does not comply with price caps or does not prove the purpose of the rental may be considered irregular and lead to legal problems.

In summary
The new regulation in Catalonia on seasonal and room rentals strengthens control of the residential property market and seeks to ensure that this type of contract is not used to circumvent price caps or distort access to housing.

Drawing up an 11-month contract will no longer be sufficient for it to be considered a temporary rental; it will be necessary to specify the purpose and prove it.

For owners and managers, adapting to this regulation is key to operating safely and avoiding administrative penalties.