The tender, which offers affordable rentals, has sparked controversy by establishing income criteria that, in practice, exclude families with incomes below 3.5 times the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effect Income). This threshold, along with other requirements, has led the political group to challenge the measure in court.
The decree in question, published in early April, allows Madrid residents up to 50 years old and families with minor children to apply for 52 homes, provided their gross annual income is between 3.5 and 5.5 times the IPREM. This could mean that a couple with two children could have an annual income of up to 68,000 euros to access these homes.
“"The municipal government has modified the current model of access to EMVS housing through the back door, without going through the plenary session, by decree."
The political group argues that the decree exceeds the powers of a mere administrative act, introducing general rules that should be approved in the Municipal Plenary Session, as was done with the Regulation for the award of Housing managed by the EMVS in 2021. Furthermore, they criticize the elimination of other access criteria, such as employment ties, and the introduction of a mandatory five-year residency requirement or age limits.
For its part, the Madrid City Council has defended the initiative, stating that it seeks to expand access to public housing under an affordable rental regime for middle-income Madrid residents. According to municipal sources, these citizens, despite having employment and economic stability, face difficulties accessing the free rental market. Rents for these homes will range between 700 and 1,000 euros per month, covering up to 30% of family income.
