Residents of Fuerteventura demand lower rents and limits on holiday lets

Residents are being urged to join a protest in Puerto del Rosario on Wednesday, 11th November, demanding action on rising rents and the shortage of affordable homes in Fuerteventura.

The island’s tenants’ union, the Sindicato de Inquilinas de Fuerteventura, has announced the demonstration and are calling for as many people as possible to take part.

The march will begin at 11.00am outside the Spanish government’s office on the island in Puerto del Rosario.

Organisers want the Canary Islands Government and local authorities to intervene over rental costs, which they say are forcing residents out of their communities.

What do the protesters want?

The union is demanding lower rents that reflect workers’ wages, stronger protection for vulnerable tenants and restrictions on the number of holiday lets in residential areas.

It argues that rising prices, the growth of holiday lets and a shortage of public housing are making it increasingly difficult for people to find somewhere to live.

Among its demands is the urgent designation of housing-pressure zones in Fuerteventura. These are areas where housing costs place particular pressure on household finances and where the union wants authorities to use the rent-control measures available under Spain’s Housing Law.

Under Spain’s Housing Law, regional governments can formally declare areas where housing has become unaffordable as “stressed housing zones”, allowing limits on new residential rental contracts. Generally, the starting rent cannot exceed the previous tenant’s rent, allowing for permitted annual updates and certain exceptions. Large landlords also face a ceiling based on an official rental-price index, which can apply to some properties entering the rental market after five years without a tenancy. These controls require formal designation of the area; high rents alone do not automatically trigger them.

The organisation also wants vulnerable people protected from eviction unless suitable, permanent alternative accommodation has been provided.

These are demands being put to the authorities, rather than measures already approved for the island.

Where will the march go?

From Calle Primero de Mayo, protesters will continue along Calle León y Castillo to Avenida de la Constitución, then head towards the roundabout beside Las Rotondas shopping centre.

The route will return via Calle Profesor Juan Tadeo Cabrera and Calle Primero de Mayo.

The union has invited residents, workers and community organisations to participate. It also says its regular advice channels and meetings remain available to people experiencing problems with rented accommodation.

For those living and working in Fuerteventura, the protest centres on a straightforward question: how to keep homes affordable for the people whose lives are based on the island.