At the start of 2022, the government introduced a rental voucher program for young people under 35. Access to rental housing remains a major challenge for this demographic, particularly due to volatile job markets, temporary contracts, and limited income. These factors often hinder young adults from meeting standard tenant requirements.
In many regions, especially large urban centers, a shortage of affordable rentals means many young people stay with their families longer than they would like. This program was designed to help counteract that dynamic by enabling more independent living options for youth.
The Youth Rental Coupon aims to improve housing accessibility nationwide. The plan offers a helpline for non-payment insurance concerns and is part of the broader State Plan for Housing Access for 2022–2025.
As outlined by the government, eligibility criteria for rental assistance under 35 include the possibility of shared or private rooms, with certain financial thresholds to ensure broad reach across communities.
Young applicants must not earn more than three times the Multiple Impact Public Income Indicator (IPREM). The rented dwelling should be habitual and permanent, with income limits that can vary by region. In some circumstances, the monthly cap may rise to 900 euros, as determined by the Monitoring Commission established by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda in collaboration with the relevant autonomous community.
Basic rent for individual rooms should not exceed 300 euros, though the commission may authorize increases up to 450 euros in specific cases.
Financial support includes 250 euros per month for two years. This funding may be augmented by additional assistance from the State Housing Plan or autonomous communities. The support is compatible with Social Security and non-contributory Minimum Living Income programs.
Requirements to access the monthly aid of 250 euros
Young people seeking the youth bonus must meet several conditions:
- Be aged 18 to 35
- Show evidence of income from employment or self-employment
- Annual income generally below three times the IPREM, subject to the rules of the autonomous community where the request is made
Government warnings to rent payers: Significant changes are underway
Autonomous communities may contribute up to 40% of rental income based on several criteria, including the number of residents in the shared unit, the cohabitating unit income, local rental market conditions, and the presence of disabled individuals in need of housing. Regional administrations can publish their own eligibility rules and grant allocations.
Website maps provide access to the relevant regional authorities that administer this bonus, with each autonomous community presenting its own application process and deadlines.
Frequently asked questions about the Youth Rental Bonus
Numerous questions appear on the ministry’s site, and common concerns are summarized here:
- Where can the Youth Rental Bonus be claimed? Applications are submitted through the autonomous community where the rental property is located, as these authorities issue the calls for assistance.
- What is the time frame? The duration is set by each autonomous community.
- Is the program nationwide? No, it does not apply everywhere. The Basque Country and Navarra have their own separate programs.
- Can the bonus be extended? No; the benefit lasts 24 months and is not extendable.
- How is residency status verified? A certificate or official registration document is required; simple phone contracts do not qualify.