Arabic version: المستأجرون في مدريد يتحدون مضايقات العقارات من خلال الإجراءات القانونية

Residents of a Madrid building are taking a stand against what they describe as housing harassment after their property was sold to an investment fund two years ago. According to The Guardian, tenants allege that construction work initiated by the new owners has been used as a tactic to force them out of their homes.

Jaime Oteyza, a tenant since 2012, reported that the conditions described by a local tenants’ union began to manifest soon after the sale. The union had warned that the renewal of rental contracts would not be honored, and construction would likely commence to create unbearable living conditions. Oteyza noted that the construction led to power cuts, leaks, and excessive noise, turning their home into a zone of distress.

In response to these challenges, a dozen tenants, including Oteyza, filed a legal complaint, claiming that the construction was an attempt to coerce them into vacating their leases. This case has gained attention as it marks the first preliminary investigation into real estate harassment in Spain. Cristina Gómez, another resident, expressed mixed feelings about the court’s decision to hear their case, acknowledging both validation and the suffering they have endured.

The construction work, which began in November 2024, has caused significant damage and disruption, prompting calls to emergency services multiple times. As about half of the tenants have opted to leave, the situation reflects a broader trend of real estate harassment across Spain, as investors seek to replace long-term tenants with more lucrative short-term rentals.

Alejandra Jacinto, a lawyer involved in the case, highlighted that the legal challenge is a crucial step in combating the misuse of construction for eviction purposes. The case has inspired similar actions in other cities, including Barcelona, where another court has accepted a claim regarding tenant harassment. The ongoing legal battles are seen as a glimmer of hope for tenants grappling with the rising costs of housing in Spain.