Andorra Minister Flags Room Subletting on Platforms as Unlicensed Pension Activity

Conxita Marsol, Andorra's Minister of Presidency and Housing, has raised concerns that current regulations may not adequately address large-scale room rentals, such as those advertised on platforms like habitacions.ad. Speaking at a press conference on Monday morning to present a bill on inactive companies, she described the practice as potentially equivalent to operating a pension, requiring specific commercial authorisations that authorities have not evidently issued.

Marsol emphasised that subletting rooms demands the property owner's consent under existing tenancy laws—a condition she said is "very probably" not met in all cases. She views such activities as commercial in nature, necessitating permits beyond standard rental rules. "From the moment rooms are sublet, it's an activity akin to a pension," she stated, underscoring the associated legal obligations.

In response, the government will increase inspections to ensure advertised rooms comply with requirements, prompted by public complaints, media notices, or the platforms' growing success. Marsol confirmed that more checks were already agreed upon and would verify legal standards.

The minister, offering her personal legal assessment, plans a study to evaluate whether the sector is sufficiently regulated. This could lead the Economy or Commerce ministries to introduce new measures or clearer rules, providing defined conditions and full legal guarantees. She noted that room rentals are common in university cities but refrained from endorsing or criticising the model outright.

Marsol met with her housing department team on Monday afternoon to review the issue further. No timeline has been set for the study or potential regulatory changes.