Spain’s decision to scrap a key rental reform has left thousands of tenants unsure about their rights.

Here’s what the situation looks like now.

Are contract extensions still valid?

There’s no clear-cut answer.

The government, consumer groups and some legal experts argue that tenants who requested an extension while the decree was active – between March 22 and April 28 – should still be protected.

However, because the law has now been overturned, these cases sit in a legal grey area. That means some disputes could ultimately end up being decided in court.

Will landlords take tenants to court?

In most cases, probably not, at least not small landlords.

Tenant associations say individual property owners are unlikely to pursue legal action due to the time and cost involved.

But larger landlords, investment funds and property companies may be more willing to challenge extensions legally.

The government has already warned that legal disputes could increase in the coming months.

What should tenants do now?

If you’ve already requested an extension, the first step is to wait for your landlord’s response.

From there, experts recommend trying to negotiate before considering legal action. Given the uncertainty, many cases will likely be resolved through agreement rather than the courts.

What happens to the 2% rent cap?

Although the new decree has been rejected, rent increases are still limited, just as under previous rules.

In most cases, annual rent updates remain tied to inflation. For contracts signed in 2023, increases are capped more tightly, generally at around 2.5%.

Tenants aren’t completely unprotected but the situation is now far less clear.

If you acted while the decree was in force, you may still have a case.

But without a solid legal framework, much will depend on negotiation or, in some cases, a judge’s decision.