The Housing Agency of Catalonia has intensified its control over the rental market, opening 529 sanctioning proceedings. Inspections focus on unlicensed tourist apartments, abusive rents, and lack of maintenance. Fines can reach up to 900,000 euros in cases of real estate harassment or illegal occupation, marking a firm shift in regulation.
Control systems and data verification in the real estate market 🏠
The Agency uses data cross-referencing tools between public records and sworn declarations to detect anomalies. Computer systems analyze price patterns and compare rents with the reference index. Contract registrations are also audited to identify omissions. This technical approach allows processing large volumes of information and prioritizing inspections, although the lack of staff remains a bottleneck for executing sanctions.
The sweet business of renting without papers or maintenance 💸
Some owners thought having an unlicensed tourist apartment was like having a money tree in the living room. But it turns out the Agency has access to platform data and knows your beach apartment is rented out 15 times a year without the air conditioning working. Now it's time to pay the fine or, alternatively, do renovations so the tenant doesn't look outside through the crack in the living room.