From 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027, a policy known as the winter truce will be in effect. This measure temporarily halts the eviction of tenants from rental properties, even if a court has ruled in favor of the property owner. However, it does not cancel any outstanding rent payments, meaning that debts will continue to accumulate during this time. This can have significant financial effects on property owners, as they lose a key tool for enforcing payment—eviction—and may struggle to cover their own expenses such as taxes and mortgage payments.
The winter truce was established by the Alur Law of 2014 to protect tenants during the colder months, when finding new housing can be more difficult. Under this policy, tenants are still responsible for repaying their debts, but many do not do so voluntarily, leading to growing arrears. For example, a tenant who owes 800 euros in monthly rent could accumulate up to 4,165 euros in debt by the end of the truce period, including late fees and interest. This amount can be equivalent to several mortgage payments for property owners with modest incomes.
In response to the lack of rental income during the truce, some property owners use their savings or take out additional loans to cover their expenses. Others may renegotiate their mortgage terms or seek alternative financing, which can increase their overall debt. Small property owners, who often rely on rental income to supplement their pensions, are especially vulnerable. Some are forced to cut back on essential spending to manage their finances during this period.
After the truce ends in April 2027, evictions will resume, leading to a surge in legal procedures. The number of eviction requests is expected to increase by 60%, and the time it takes to complete an eviction could become longer. The cost of these procedures, including legal fees, can range from 3,200 to 4,300 euros. Additionally, property owners may face losses from vacant properties, adding up to around 9,500 euros in total costs. These expenses are rarely fully covered by insurance for unpaid rent.
The amount of unpaid rent remains relatively stable between 3,800 and 4,200 euros, but inflation of 2.1% between October 2025 and 2026 has increased the total debt owed. To mitigate these risks, property owners are seeking stronger guarantees from tenants or investing in unpaid rent insurance, despite the associated costs. While there is no current plan to extend the truce in 2027, the possibility of such an extension during a major crisis could further strain property owners’ finances.
Winter Truce Suspends Evictions but Not Rent Debts, Creating Financial Strain for Property Owners
AI-rewritten from original reportingHow it works
rental-debtwinter-truceevictionlandlordstenantsalur-law



