Real estate in Barcelona has taken a turn for the worse, as many property advertisements now sport small ‘studios’ and cutrepisos that are often without certificates of occupancy. This may be a result of 'bubble rent', which the city experienced less than a decade ago, where some residents are forced to live in such abysmal dwellings because they can't find or afford anything else. It is the opinion of experts and locals alike that the deteriorating economy and growing population are culpable for the emergence of such trends. The Department of Housing states that marketing of such properties, particularly identifying them as ‘homes’, violates the city's right to housing law, but talk alone will not help struggling renters keep a proper roof over their heads.
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