The European Commission's unprecedented stance on Portugal's housing crisis has sparked a heated debate between landlords and tenants. Landlords criticize Brussels for overstepping into member states' competencies, while tenants applaud the proposals, especially the call for rent control.
Key Recommendations from the European Commission
- Control of rent prices to make housing more affordable.
- Tighter limits on local accommodation in high-pressure zones.
- Utilization of vacant properties, both public and private, to boost housing supply.
- Expansion of the housing first policy, prioritizing immediate housing for the homeless.
Landlords' Backlash
Luís Menezes Leitão, president of the Lisbon Landlords Association, argues that housing policy should remain a national competence. He warns that rent control could deter investment and reduce the rental market's vitality, citing past experiences where such measures allegedly "destroyed" the rental sector.
Tenants' Support
Pedro Ventura of the Lisbon Tenants Association highlights the urgency of addressing the housing crisis, praising the EU's recognition of the issue. The association has long advocated for rent limits, proposing various models to regulate prices effectively.
Local Accommodation Concerns
Eduardo Miranda from the Local Accommodation Association in Portugal points out that new laws already allow municipalities to regulate local accommodation based on local needs, suggesting the EU's recommendations may be outdated.
This divide underscores the complex balance between regulation and market freedom in solving Portugal's housing challenges.
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