Thousands of people renting, especially expats, in Spain are not on a fresh five-year contract. The paperwork ended years ago, they stayed, and the landlord kept taking the rent each month. Both sides treated it as normal and an agreement based on a handshake and good relationships.

That arrangement has a legal name: tácita reconducción. Once the original term and the Urban Leases Act extensions are finished, staying 15 days with the owner’s consent creates a new automatic tenancy even without a formal contract being signed. If rent was set monthly, it usually rolls month to month. Paying on time does not freeze the old contract forever. It does mean you are still a tenant, not a squatter.

Congress will vote on Friday, October 2, on a second royal decree that could change that picture. Cabinet split this week’s housing package in two. The first decree (or bill) eviction protection to 2030, a two-year extension for some contracts ending before December 31, 2028, tighter rules on seasonal lets (is the one most parties may swallow). The second is the fight: automatic five-year renewals and a payout if the landlord wants the tenant out without needing the home for themselves or close family.

Leaving tenants could be in for 12 months rent golden handshake

Under the leaked text, that payout is at least 12 months’ rent to be given by the homeowner to be given back to the tenant, using the state reference-price system, and never less than one month for each year the tenant has lived there. Notice needed to be given would normally be six months. The landlord would not pay if they need the flat for their own household, if the tenant has another adequate home in the same town, or if the tenant has barely lived there.

Tacit tenants are included. Under the draft, the new rules would apply from the first time their rolling tenancy comes up for renewal after the decree has been in force for four months. The years already spent in the property under the original contract would count towards the five-year minimum. If the landlord has already given valid notice to end the tacit tenancy before that 4 months after the bill is put into law, that notice would still stand and would not trigger any compensation.

That timing is the practical point. If the text is published on Thursday and survives Friday, a landlord who has done nothing may later face a large cheque. A landlord who has already sent a proper burofax (most official letter, legally) ending the tacit period is in a different position. Junts (Catalonia) and the PNV (Basque Country) have not promised their votes and will no doubt attempt to negotiate. The second decree is the one most likely to fall.

None of this is legal advice. A lawyer would need to wait for the BOE wording, look at the date your original contract started, and whether any notice has already been served. For many expats quietly paying an old rent every month, Friday is not another housing headline. It is the difference between a rolling monthly stay and a rule that makes ending it expensive.

For those seeking an opportunity to begin a new writing hobby, even as a complete beginner, a new writing club is looking for passionate members of the community to participate in fun and creative monthly meetings. David Lees, a neighbour based in Los Alcazares who is himself new to the writing hobby, is looking for people in the town and surrounding areas who enjoy writing of any kind – stories, poetry, memoirs, or any other kind of creative work – to meet and share ideas, offer encouragement, and help each other to grow as writers.

Why writing is good for the brain: ‘If you do not use it, you lose it’

“I am on a mission to find a new hobby, one that will exercise my brain,” said David about creating the group. “I know how to exercise my legs and other appendages; you just go for a walk. But my brain is quite a different problem. I may have to consult the wife on that one.”

David and his wife, Andrea Wellington, shared some valuable insight on why writing is an important hobby for those looking to exercise their brain.

“It is a sad fact that at our age, our vocabulary shrinks,” stated David. “Writing makes you search for old friends, old phrases that can conjure up old stories, helping us to relive our memories and yes, some sad ones too, but they are…who we are.”

“Simple: if you do not use it, you lose it.”

Andrea also shared that an autobiography could be a great starting point for beginner writers. “You already have a timeline, you have a written storyboard, and characters lining up to be in your story.”

Aspiring writers from Los Alcazares and surrounding areas welcome

For the moment, David is focusing on interested attendees from Los Alcazares; however, he is open to suggestions for meeting places, as it depends where the interest in the group is most active. Writers of all ages and experience levels are welcome, and those interested in joining the group can contact David directly via email at davidlees968@gmail.com and arrange a casual coffee morning meeting to discuss details and get to know other members of the group.

Those who are interested in joining a friendly community group of amateur writers where they can explore their creative side, work on their novels, or simply meet new friends should not hesitate to contact David and Andrea and jot down their best ideas for the next meeting.

In October, Los Alcazares is preparing to be a hub of community, camaraderie, and charity with yet another edition of its traditional solidarity walk, organised by the Los Alcazares Town Council and the Spanish Association Against Cancer. On Sunday, October 25, at 10:00am, the town will host its ‘Los Alcazares on the Move Against Cancer’ solidarity event, filling the municipality with sporting spirit and social commitment to friends and neighbours battling against this disease.

A community united against cancer: Los Alcazares on the Move

Year after year, the event brings together hundreds of committed residents and visitors, walking together to support the fight against cancer and the important work carried out by the Spanish Association Against Cancer.

The walk will begin at Paseo Carrion, next to the Saza monument, and transform the seafront promenade of Los Alcazares into the stage for this great day of community and solidarity.

Supporting the important work of the Spanish Association Against Cancer

The Spanish Association Against Cancer is a major organisation that carries out important work, both for the prevention of cancer, early diagnosis, awareness, and support for those who are battling cancer, as well as their loved ones. The association often participates in initiatives like the ‘Los Alcazares on the Move Against Cancer’, encouraging locals and residents to get involved in the fight against this disease.

How, when, and where to register for the solidarity walk

Registration for the event is now open, and those interested in participating can now complete their online registration through lineadesalida.net. The online registration period will end on Sunday, October 18 at midnight, so the organisation encourages those who wish to participate to formalise their registration well in advance.

In addition, several locations will be available for in-person registration and bib collection on various dates in October, including:

• Sunday, October 11: Associations Fair, from 10:00am to 1:00pm
• Tuesday, October 20: Los Alcazares Town Hall, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
• Thursday, October 22: Los Alcazares Town Hall, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
• Friday, October 23: Los Alcazares Town Hall, from 10:00am to 12:00pm and again from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
• Sunday, October 25, the day of the march, at the event location, from 9:00am to 10:00am

Residents and visitors in Los Alcazares should not miss out on the opportunity to support this fun sporting and solidarity event in one of the Costa Calida’s most tightly-knit communities.