Andorra la Vella to Approve Stricter Jovial Housing Rules by Spring

Andorra la Vella plans to approve a new Jovial regulation before spring, incorporating strict protocols to prevent chronic rent arrears and tighten oversight of its youth emancipation flats.

Councillor for Digital Transformation and Sustainability, and Housing, Marc Torrent, told *El Periòdic* that the text is undergoing final legal review, with a council session scheduled for late March if it clears internal checks by the Interventions department and Legal Office.

The initiative follows a deep review of Jovial's operations after the new communal team took office early this year. Officials uncovered two serious arrears cases, dating back four or five years, with no prior alerts triggered. Together, the debts totalled nearly €15,000. Despite interventions by the Social Department, debt rescheduling, and multiple chances, the tenants vacated the flats last summer after warnings of legal action. Recovery efforts have now moved to the courts.

The new regulation will formalise a progressive monthly protocol. On a first missed payment, the housing technician contacts the tenant to assess circumstances such as job loss or unexpected expenses, potentially allowing debt instalments. A second default draws in the Social Department, and by the third month—absent social justification—the case escalates to the Legal Office. "The goal is to stop the snowball effect before it grows," Torrent said.

Torrent noted no major new cases have emerged, with minor one-month issues quickly resolved through monthly remittance checks and prompt outreach. Among early moves, the council dissolved Jovial SLU and brought management in-house.

Separately, authorities confirmed one illegal subletting case after an anonymous tip in August 2025. An investigation from September to November found unauthorised residents in a flat. Unable to notify personally, the notice was published in the *BOPA*, giving eight days to collect it at the council. Once served, tenants have 30 days to leave or submit claims, while the Social Department will support any vulnerable occupants.