Another unusual case of illegal occupation in Spain is giving to speak, this time away from the typical scenario of burglary. Joaquim Álvarez, owner of a house in Reus, Catalonia, saw his life collapse after legally leased the property.
Over the past few years, the phenomenon of “inquiries” has been gaining strength. These are tenants who present, sometimes false contracts, but who fail to pay the income and remain in housing thanks to legal gaps. Many of these people invoke economic vulnerability, which guarantees them legal protection against immediate eviction.
A difficult decision motivated by the crisis
Joaquim decided to lease his home in 2019, when financial difficulties made it impossible to maintain the payment of the mortgage. With his wife and three children, he moved to a Masia (Rural House), hoping that the income of the property would alleviate the family budget, according to La Razon.
Late payments and successive excuses
According to Rac1 radio, the first delays began during the contract, signed for three years. “They paid later,” said the owner. The situation worsened in early 2021, when tenants claimed not to continue to pay, pointing to pandemic and marital problems as justifications.
End of the contract did not prevent the permanence
When the contract ended in 2022, Joaquim decided not to renew. However, the response of the tenants was clear: they refused to leave. Since then, the owner has ceased to receive any income regarding the income and is prevented from recovering the house, despite being the legitimate owner.
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Luxurious lifestyle in full occupation
The drama gains even more revolting contours when looking at the lifestyle maintained by tenants. “These summer golf club members were, they went to the pool, ate at the restaurant… One of their children was taking golf classes,” Joaquim said, perplexed by the apparent normality of his family who has not paid her income for over three years.
House used for tourism without consent
The situation reached a new level when Joaquim discovered that his home was listed on a tourism platform. The property, used without its authorization, has even assessments of guests, which proves that it was illegally and unlicensed.
Fined for an infraction that did not commit
As a consequence of this infraction, the owner was the subject of a fine of 5,000 euros applied by the tax authorities. To aggravate, 500 monthly euros from salary has been removed for three months, as a form of coercive collection of tax debt, according to the same source.
Vulnerability Certificate prevents eviction
Despite all the evidence presented, the social services of the municipality of Reus refuse to act. The tenants obtained a certificate of vulnerability issued by the municipality, which prevents any immediate eviction, even in an abusive context.
Angels Granados, responsible for the Welfare Service of the Reus City Council, cited by the same source, explained that their role is just issuing the certificates: “We are not inspectors, police or judges.” Its statement highlights the absence of an effective mechanism for verifying the information provided by the alleged vulnerable.
Owner feels completely abandoned
At this moment, Joaquim feels helpless and without alternatives. It is homeless, no rent and a heavy fine to pay, while tenants continue to enjoy the housing as if it were yours. “I haven’t charged for over three years,” he laments.
A drama that repeats throughout Spain
Joaquim’s case is just one of many who multiply through Spain, fed by a legal system that, according to critics, eventually rewards abuse. Protection to vulnerable, essential in many cases, is being used by who knows how to circumvent the law, according to.
A measure that should protect the fragile
It is recalled that the real Decree-Law 11/2020, extended until the end of 2025, prevents the eviction of people considered vulnerable if they have no housing alternative. On paper, the measure protects those who need it most, but in practice it has opened worrying gaps.
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