Venezuela passes housing law to aid earthquake victims

Venezuelan lawmakers have unanimously passed a new housing law designed to ease property rentals, a move intended to address the severe housing shortage exacerbated by a destructive earthquake in June. The legislation, approved by the National Assembly, aims to encourage property owners to make vacant homes available on the rental market.

“

to ensure that people do not feel any fear of renting out their homes

The new law effectively repeals restrictive rental regulations previously enacted by leftist governments. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez stated that the goal is to ensure "people do not feel any fear of renting out their homes." He estimated that as many as 200,000 homes in Venezuela are currently not being rented due to "very regressive" limitations.

Lawmaker America Pérez highlighted the law's direct response to the urgent need for housing, noting that "thousands of families have been left without decent housing." The legislation now awaits the signature of interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who has committed to providing 4,000 new homes to earthquake victims by the end of the year, with a target of over 10,000 by 2027.

“

There are up to 200,000 homes in Venezuela that are not rented out

The June 24 earthquake devastated the coastal state of La Guaira, leaving over 23,800 people homeless, destroying hundreds of buildings, and claiming more than 5,500 lives according to official figures. The government has begun demolishing damaged structures in the city of La Guaira, and search efforts for the missing were ongoing.

“

Thousands of families have been left without decent housing and this law directly responds to that need