Spain extends ban of evictions of vulnerable people and rent moratorium to end of October

Social protection measures were set to expire in early August

Dozens of people gather to prevent an eviction in Barcelona, April 2021 (by Miquel Codolar)
Dozens of people gather to prevent an eviction in Barcelona, April 2021 (by Miquel Codolar) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

July 29, 2021 09:19 AM

The Spanish government will extend the social protection measures regarding evictions and rent first brought in at the beginning of the pandemic until the end of October, at least.

The ban on evictions of people in vulnerable situations will be extended three more months.

The measure covers households affected by eviction proceedings that do not result from leases in the event that the tenants are dependent people, victims of gender-based violence, or minors.

Similarly, the measure that allows people to request a moratorium or partial forgiveness on rent if the landlord is classified as a large property owner or a public institution will also last at least until October 31.

Pedro Sánchez's executive has agreed to approve the extension in the council of ministers next Tuesday "to ensure the social protection of all citizens."

When the extension until August was first announced in April ahead of the end of the state of alarm, the Spanish president said his government's goal is to "leave no one behind" and advocated for "a dignified life."

On Wednesday, the Catalan government had already agreed to pay the rents of vulnerable households on the verge of eviction.