Andorra Housing Union Slams Government's Weak Rent Deregulation Bill

Andorra's Housing Union has intensified its criticism of the government's draft rent deregulation bill ahead of 2027, describing it as "descafeïnada" and warning it could "break the social peace" by tilting the balance toward landlords.

On Saturday, the union held an open assembly at the La Llacuna cultural centre in Andorra la Vella, barring media access to encourage participation amid lingering public reluctance to mobilise. Spokesperson Rebeca Bonache, speaking beforehand, called the housing situation "very critical," with rents at unsustainable levels—such as €1,500 monthly for a 50-square-metre flat—that are forcing working families to consider leaving for La Seu d'Urgell or beyond. "We are reaching a point where people who have lived and worked here their whole lives are thinking of leaving the country," she said.

Bonache highlighted the end of the government's prior rent freeze, which the union terms the "greenhouse effect." Tenants are now receiving 90-day eviction notices via burofax or Saig letters, while the "family home" loophole persists: owners face fines that fill public coffers but leave displaced renters without support.

The union, recently formalised after earlier protests and collaboration with other groups, met last week with Head of Government Xavier Espot and Housing Minister Conxita Marsol, who presented the draft. Delivered this week, it has yet to undergo full review. Bonache's preliminary view: it lacks essential tools like a reference price index or property registry, making controlled deregulation impossible. The market remains unregulated, with sky-high rents unaddressed.

While open to eventual deregulation, the union demands a gradual, stable process with price limits. Bonache stressed growing public concern, evidenced by the group's formation despite Andorra's tradition of low mobilisation. "We do not rule out mobilisations or anything else," she said. "Collective pressure, taking to the streets, organising, and fighting is what can bring change in this very critical situation."

The assembly aimed to generate alternative proposals, with the union planning to refine its position post-analysis. Authorities have not commented further.