Andorra Tenants' Union Launches Civil Disobedience Over Rental Law

The Sindicat d’Habitatge d’Andorra has announced plans for organised civil disobedience, including direct actions in apartment blocks and neighbourhood solidarity networks, after accusing parliamentary groups Demòcrates per Andorra (DA) and Ciutadans Compromesos (CC) of disregarding its demands during negotiations over the Rental Deregulation Law, passed on 4 June.

In a statement released on Monday, the tenants’ rights group described the institutional dialogue as insufficient to drive real change. It argued that DA and CC had “belittled” its proposals despite a commitment to respond by 4 June, ahead of the Consell General vote. The law advanced without amendments, and DA’s formal reply arrived on 11 June—a week late. The syndicate dismissed it as an “empty letter” that endorsed the final text as the best path for “progressive, controlled and guaranteed” deregulation benefiting both owners and tenants, while explicitly rejecting changes to the Urban Leases and Properties Law (LAFU) on grounds it fell outside the group’s election manifesto and current legislative work.

The demands, presented at a 20 May meeting, sought to protect post-2021 contracts expiring between 2027 and 2030, automatic investigations into the “child loophole” for repossession claims, reviews of impending rent increases, bans on evictions to house employees, anti-eviction measures with guaranteed alternative accommodation, and LAFU reforms to make indefinite contracts the default.

The group warned that the law leaves families vulnerable to steep rent hikes or displacement threats. Following a 16 May protest that drew over 3,000 participants, it declared negotiations exhausted and pledged a strategic shift to “creative activism”. “We have been heard, but not listened to,” the statement said. “If they won’t provide guarantees, we will build them ourselves.” It urged wider participation to ensure “dignified, affordable and stable housing”.

In related housing tensions, the socialdemòcrata (PS) group has demanded the government reverse stricter eligibility for rental aid, claiming the changes mask the scale of the crisis. Deputy parliamentary leader Pere Baró cited ministry data showing 707 of 1,431 applications rejected this year, mostly for exceeding 30% of household income on rent. He accused the executive of “make-up” tactics to downplay need, warning that families previously aided now face hardship amid Andorra’s accommodation shortage. The PS plans parliamentary oversight and immediate revisions to avert worsening conditions.