Squatters find new way to beat evictions in Spain after law change

After a law change, squatters have a new method to fight evictions.

Squatters in Spain find ways to get around a new, tougher law that aims to evict the squatters despite promises of a speedy trial.

A change to the Criminal Procedure Act technically allows the crimes of ‘usurpation of a home’ and ‘breaking and entering’ to be heard in short hearings within a maximum period of 15 days.

The squatters evictions are now part of a new, fast-track court procedure, along with a number of other crimes, including physical violence and robbery, as well as traffic offenses.

READ MORE

SquattersSquatters

Reality is, however, that the process seems to be taking longer. Squatters take advantage of any legal loophole they can to delay or even stop evictions.

There must be no doubt about the fact that a squatter has occupied a property in violation of law.

Even if the document is fake, it can still be stopped if an squatter shows it to authorities.

This could be a fake tenancy contract, phony receipts or even statements made by third parties claiming to have leased a property.

The court must verify the veracity of any documents that are presented.

Squatters are offered tips by social media groups and forums online, including fake contracts.

A court will be fooled by a fictitious lease agreement signed with the former owner of the property or a receipt for payment.

By creating doubt, the illegal occupiers can buy more time.

As with all legal issues, the court system in Spain is overloaded.

It also helps in the squatter’s delay tactics. Some judges interpret the new laws differently.

The so-called “homeowners groups” have also pointed out that there is a problem with the “so-called homeowners group”. Inquiokupas The amended law does not include these provisions.

You can also find out more about the following: Inquiokupas People who are tenants but have stopped paying their rent or refused to leave.

Landlords are frustrated because the eviction process cannot be accelerated, as they are not legally classified squatters.

Legal action to evict the tenants could take a minimum of a year, or even longer.

Free Subscribe

Sign up to stay ahead with the latest news straight to your email.

We respect your privacy and will never spam you!

About Richard Roberts

Richard Roberts, from the UK, has lived in Spain for 7 years. A passionate real estate expert, he helps clients find their ideal home or investment opportunity.

Check Also

Empty Spain: How expats are teaming up with entrepreneurs to revitalise the country’s rural areas

Empty Spain. How expats and entrepreneurs are working together to revive rural Spain

TECH-mogul Elon Musk recently chimed in on the ‘Empty Spain’ debate, as he does on …