What the Spain youth rental voucher is and who it helps
The youth housing voucher in Spain has become an essential support to help young people access living spaces. As 2024 rolled in, this aid, renewed by regional administrations, continues to offer financial relief to those who want to become independent or keep up with rent costs in a difficult economic climate.
The youth rental voucher is designed for young people aged 18 to 35. This age range covers individuals taking their first steps toward independence as well as those already in work or study who still struggle with rent expenses amid today’s cost of living pressures.
What you need to claim the youth rental voucher
Applicants must meet several conditions to qualify for the youth rental voucher:
- Age. Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of applying for the voucher.
- Income. The household income must not exceed the program’s limit, typically up to three times the IPREM (Public Income Indicator of Multiple Effects). For 2024, the IPREM is approximately 600 euros per month. The exact figure is adjusted by the size of the household and may vary slightly by autonomous community.
- Proof of income from business activities.
How much is the youth rental bonus worth?
The voucher provides financial support of up to 250 euros per month, with a maximum duration of two years, provided all granting conditions remain satisfied. This means a total potential amount of up to 6,000 euros, distributed as 250 euros each month for two years.
It is important to note that the monthly rent eligible for the voucher is capped at 600 euros. If the rental arrangement concerns a single room, the cap is 300 euros. The Ministry of Housing notes that, with prior approval by the Monitoring Commission, this amount can rise to 900 euros per month or 450 euros for room rentals.
Additionally, the voucher can contribute up to 40% of the rent under the State Plan, and it commonly covers up to 75% of the renter’s income as part of its framework when combined with other support measures.
The youth rental voucher is administered through regional administrations so that they can contribute up to 40% of the rent according to these criteria:
- Size of the co-living unit
- Combined income of the cohabiting residents
- Rent stress in the municipality or nearby areas
- Disability status among inhabitants
- Other relevant criteria set by the region
Readers should note that regional websites and maps show the specific agencies that manage the voucher in each autonomous community.
How to claim the youth rental bonus
The application process for the youth rental voucher varies slightly between autonomous communities due to decentralized administration. In general terms, applicants should submit their request through the platform or body designated by their autonomous community, along with the required documents. Typical paperwork includes the following:
- DNI or NIE
- The rental agreement for the property for which the assistance is sought
- Proof of income for the applicant
- Registration certificate; a simple telecom or service contract is not sufficient
Applicants should pay attention to the application windows of their particular autonomous community, as deadlines for submission are usually set locally.
For those planning to apply, consulting the official regional portals is advisable to confirm the exact steps, required documentation, and due dates. Local authorities publish detailed guidance to help applicants navigate the process with clarity.