In Barcelona, rental price regulation is conditioned by the Rental Price Index and the declaration of a Tensioned Zone, which limit the freedom to agree on rents, whether the apartment is rented for the first time or has been rented in recent years.
Apartments rented in the last 5 years
If the property has been rented during the previous five years under a lease contract regulated by the Urban Lease Law (LAU), the price of the new contract cannot exceed the rent agreed upon in the previous contract, plus the annual update provided, and, in some cases, a 10% increase if improvements such as rehabilitation, energy efficiency, or accessibility have been made.
Apartments not rented in the last 5 years
In cases where the property has not had a rental contract in the previous five years (for example, after a temporary rental not subject to the LAU), the rent will be limited to the maximum set by the state reference index according to the specific characteristics of the apartment (elevator, furnished, etc.) and its location within the tensioned zone. This limit can be checked online through the official system.
In Barcelona, the rental price must comply with these legal limits, and to meet them and get the most out of your property, it is essential to have local professional advice. For more detailed information, visit our blog: Índice de Precios de Alquiler en Barcelona y Zona Tensionada