Andorra Housing Minister Defends Rent Unfreezing Bill Ahead of Debate

**Housing Minister Conxita Marsol Defends Rent Unfreezing Bill Ahead of Parliamentary Debate**

Housing Minister Conxita Marsol has defended the government's rent unfreezing bill as it heads into parliamentary debate this week, indicating limited changes despite opposition calls for revisions. In appearances on Diari TV's *Parlem-ne* and RTVA's *Avui serà un bon dia*, she described the legislation—finalised after summer talks with majority parties Demòcrates and Ciutadans Compromesos—as mostly set. Marsol expressed willingness for small tweaks, such as for rents approaching €7 per square metre thresholds, but dismissed broader overhauls even amid potential protests.

The measure, tabled in June, covers roughly 7,000 legacy contracts. It starts with hikes limited to 6% plus a 2.5% IPC cap. Over five years, increases will tier by parish reference rates: IPC +6% for rents at or below €7/m² in parishes like Canillo (€7.95/m²), Ordino (€8.81/m²) and Encamp (€9.47/m²), easing to IPC +1% for pricier units. Many contracts gain full market freedom after four years, with extensions for some. Exemptions apply to luxury rentals above €2,500 monthly, single-family homes, post-2022 agreements and properties reclaimed for family or staff use.

Marsol predicted restrained rises, as many owners value long-term tenants. Tenants can use the Sicar database to verify past rents and flag overcharges, prompting enforcement. Recent fines include nearly €100,000—twice the profit—against a landlord who evicted tenants under false family claims before selling, alongside €2,000-€4,000 penalties for others.

APBI president Jordi Marticella labelled the bill "deeply disappointing," saying it burdens owners with social obligations amid their inflation-hit costs for heating and maintenance, without mortgage relief. He pushed for state-built public housing and rejected "speculator" tags, forecasting most landlords would keep tenants via modest increases.

Unió Sindical d’Andorra (USdA) has reiterated warnings that some real estate portals mislead tenants by suggesting price caps persist beyond the extension period. In a recent statement, the union clarified that contracts will shift to the free market, enabling sharp jumps from historic lows. It urged the public to seek accurate information and called on Consell General parties to debate with transparency, weighing the social fallout of this phased liberalisation.

Marsol detailed countermeasures, including €30 million from next year's €60 million surplus to acquire three near-ready buildings for 200 public units, favouring below-market purchases. These need basic electrical upgrades, energy-efficient windows and minor repairs for quick occupancy in two to three months; one could serve as senior cohousing. A tender for low-renovation vacant properties from owners is planned, alongside rental incentives like tax relief, IGI waivers on materials or added storeys without basement parking—subject to communal consent and aligned with the bill's three-month timeline.

The minister foresaw manageable effects, with extra inspectors if needed, prioritising retirees for public housing despite some families facing reduced buying power. She reflected that 2023 might have suited unfreezing better, but seven years of controls had muddied the landscape.