PNV to Oppose Automatic Rental Contract Renewal Law

• The PNV has announced it will vote against the Spanish government's new Royal Decree-law 27/2026, which establishes automatic renewal as the default rule for housing rental contracts.
• The legislation requires compensation for tenants if landlords decide to terminate agreements after the mandatory minimum period (five years for individuals, seven for corporations).
• The party intends to support a separate decree (26/2026) that includes protections such as a ban on evictions until 2030 and limitations on vulture funds and tourist rentals.

PNV's Reasoning

• The party argues the decree unfairly penalizes small landlords, who account for over 90% of the rental market in the Basque Country.
• PNV officials claim the regulation will negatively impact the overall supply of rental housing.
• Leadership criticizes the government's approach as "hot-blooded" legislative patchwork, demanding more stable and permanent housing policies.

Reactions and Context

• Members of the Sumar coalition have criticized the PNV's stance, arguing that automatic renewal provides stability for both landlords and tenants, consistent with models used in other European countries.
• Housing rights groups and syndicates in the Basque Country have organized assemblies and protests in cities including Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and San Sebastián.
• Activists have drawn attention to reports that several PNV members in Congress own multiple properties, highlighting the tension between the party's legislative position and the current housing crisis.