The rental crisis in Spain continues to place thousands of families in a precarious situation, but a pioneering non-profit organisation in the Canary Islands is offering a unique solution.
Provivienda, an NGO with over 26 years of experience in the archipelago, has implemented an innovative scheme to provide affordable housing for vulnerable people, including migrants, families at risk of social exclusion, and low-income households.
In recent weeks, media outlets such as Cadena SER and El Día have highlighted the impact of this initiative, which is making a tangible difference in communities across the islands.
To date, Provivienda have housed 166,000 people in 68,500 properties, across 15 regions of Spain, including the Canary Islands.
Affordable Rents at an Average of €340
The organisation’s approach is straightforward: they take over responsibility of peoples properties for them, and rent them out at significantly reduced rates, with the average monthly rent set at €340, far below current market prices, but with rental guarantees, insurance, and legal protection for owners, so they don’t have to worry about tenants, income, or their property,
These homes, typically around 70 square metres in size and featuring two or three bedrooms, are located in various municipalities across the Canary Islands. The focus is on areas where rental costs are particularly high, such as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Overcoming Exclusion in the Rental Market
According to El Día, Fernando Rodríguez, the director of Provivienda, emphasised the importance of this social rental model in a market where landlords often impose stringent requirements.
Many property owners demand permanent employment contracts, civil servant status, or several months’ rent in advance as a deposit. These conditions make it nearly impossible for financially vulnerable individuals to secure housing.
Provivienda’s research has uncovered widespread discrimination against migrants, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa. One of the organisation’s studies found that applicants of migrant backgrounds were frequently rejected or faced additional requirements that were not imposed on locals.
In contrast, when individuals of Spanish or Canarian origin inquired about the same properties, they received far more favourable responses. By addressing this imbalance, Provivienda is not only providing affordable housing but also promoting social inclusion and combating discrimination in the rental market.
Building Trust with Property Owners
A key factor in the success of this initiative is the trust established with landlords. Property owners benefit from additional security, as Provivienda acts as a guarantor, ensuring rent payments even in cases of financial difficulty.
The NGO also insures the properties with comprehensive multi-risk policies and monitors tenants’ stability, ensuring they maintain a secure living environment.
Through this model, Provivienda is setting a precedent for how social rental schemes can operate effectively, providing a lifeline for those most in need while fostering confidence among property owners.
This pioneering project stands as Spain’s first initiative of its kind, offering a practical and sustainable response to the country’s growing housing crisis.
