Congress rejected the rent extension: what happened to Decree 8/2026
Royal Decree-Law 8/2026 proposed a two-year extension and a 2% cap on rents, but was not validated. What fell away and what question remains open.
1 min read
Data and events refer to: April 2026.
In March 2026 the government approved Royal Decree-Law 8/2026, with two measures closely followed by tenants and landlords. At the end of April, Congress refused to validate it and its measures lapsed.
What it provided
- An extraordinary two-year extension for rental contracts expiring up to 31 December 2027.
- A 2% cap on rent updates.
- It did not apply to seasonal lets or room rentals.
What happened
The decree took effect on 22 March. Congress's rejection was published in the official gazette on 30 April 2026, effective the same day. Since then, no new extensions can be requested under this rule.
The remaining question
Some requests were made while the decree was in force. Some analyses argue those requests remain valid, but the final view may be decided in court. If this is your case, ask your lawyer and keep the notice you sent.
Why it matters
It is a good example of how a royal decree-law works: it applies from publication but must be validated by Congress. Before signing or deciding on a contract, check that the rule you heard about is still in force.
What applies now
The general rules apply: the minimum duration under the Urban Leases Act and the update stated in your contract.
