Landlords and real estate analysts warn that extending the rent cap will worsen Catalonia's housing shortage over time. When rent increases are capped below market rates, property owners face lower returns, which discourages investment in new rental housing and maintenance of existing units. Some landlords have already exited the market, converting rentals into tourist apartments or selling to owner-occupiers, reducing the supply for long-term tenants.
The updated list of municipalities extends this disincentive to more areas, potentially stifling development in towns that need new housing. Critics argue that the cap artificially suppresses prices, creating a two-tier market where only sitting tenants benefit, while new renters struggle to find any available property. Black-market rentals with unregistered contracts may also rise, undermining tenant protections.
Economists point to examples in cities like Berlin and Stockholm where strict rent controls led to declining quality and availability. They advocate instead for policies that boost supply, such as streamlined building permits, tax incentives for landlords, and public land grants. Without addressing the root cause—insufficient housing—the cap is a temporary fix with long-term costs.
The government's monitoring pledge is welcome, but opponents fear that political pressure will delay corrective action. They call for a sunset clause or a shift to demand-side subsidies that help tenants without distorting the market.