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Testa Suspends the Rental of its Homes Following Approval of New Rental Act

24 April 2019 – El Boletín

Blackstone, the fund that has invested the most in the Spanish real estate sector over the last five years, has reportedly suspended the rental of hundreds of homes managed by its Socimi Testa following the approval of the new Rental Act by Pedro Sánchez’s government on 1 March.

The new decree lengthens rental contracts, giving tenants the right to remain in properties for seven years in those cases in which the landlord is a company, and prohibits rent increases above CPI.

Testa has more than 11,000 properties under management and Blackstone has owned a majority stake in the Socimi since last year after acquiring shares from banks and other groups.

According to professionals from intermediary companies that work for Blackstone, a decision was taken to suspend Testa’s activity following the approval of the decree, in light of the uncertainty generated. Activity is expected to resume in May, following the general election.

Blackstone already warned a couple of months ago that the new Rental Act is discriminatory and would only serve to increase rental prices.

Original story: El Boletín

Translation/Summary: Carmel Drake