Andorra Tourism Minister's HUT Renewal Letter Angers Owners Amid Road Crisis

Jordi Torres, Andorra's Minister of Tourism and Commerce, has sparked fresh frustration among owners of tourist-use housing (HUTs), particularly in Pas de la Casa, with a recent letter outlining new obligations under the Sustainable Growth and Housing Rights Law, known as omnibus law 2.

The communication, sent in recent days and especially on Friday, arrived amid an ongoing crisis caused by the closure of the RN-20 road. French visitors, a key market for the area, are showing signs of fatigue, with growing cancellations of bookings as access issues persist.

The letter serves as a reminder of legislative changes affecting HUT authorisation holders. It states that authorisations granted before the law's entry into force must undergo first-time renewal within three years from the end of the first winter season following the law's implementation. HUTs in communities where they represent less than 30% of participation quotas are ineligible for renewal.

Some letters specify further restrictions based on property categories. Certain HUTs may operate until 30 April 2030 but cannot seek initial renewal unless they meet the law's additional second provision. This requires owners to dedicate the property unequivocally to the residential rental market from 1 May to 31 October 2030—the six months after authorisation expiry.

Owners have two options: list the property through a real estate agency at no more than the statistical market price, or cede it to the government for inclusion in the public affordable rental housing stock. If, within a maximum of 18 months—or two years if adaptation works are needed—the owner proves inability to rent it for six consecutive months from the contract date or works completion, they may apply once for HUT authorisation renewal.

The reminders enumerate other potential impacts from the law, which owners were already aware of from prior challenges to the legislation. Sources indicate the timing has been poorly received, exacerbating tensions during the road blockade and booking downturn, even if the content was anticipated.