MADRID – The Spanish government, in collaboration with the Basque party EH Bildu, has reached a historic agreement. This agreement includes a ban on the eviction of vulnerable individuals until the year 2025.
The agreement marks a significant step in protecting the rights of tenants in Spain. It was reached following successful negotiations between EH Bildu and the government of Pedro Sánchez. The new eviction ban will be included in an upcoming decree of social and economic measures.
It was particularly EH Bildu that advocated for the implementation of these measures in light of the increasing housing crisis facing thousands of Spanish families.
Details of the agreement about evictions
Besides the eviction ban, the agreement includes several important measures to alleviate the social and economic burdens of vulnerable families. These include:
- A ban on cutting off basic utilities such as electricity, water, and gas.
- The extension of the regulated TUR4 rate for communal heating systems.
EH Bildu’s role and response
EH Bildu played a crucial role in reaching this agreement. The party has expressed satisfaction with the achieved accord. Moreover, it emphasises that maintaining other social measures is necessary to provide protection in the current economic and social context. EH Bildu has also committed to continuing work on improving labour rights, food security, and housing.
Impact on the housing market
This agreement is seen as a supplement to earlier legal restrictions, such as the 3% limit on rent increases established in the Housing Law. Such measures are intended to address the housing crisis and strengthen the rights of tenants, especially at a time when many families are facing financial uncertainty.
Downside of a ban on evictions
The Spanish government’s ban on evictions, intended to protect vulnerable citizens, may unintentionally promote squatting. This is because the ban limits property owners’ ability to act effectively against unlawful occupation. Squatters, people who occupy vacant properties without permission, can use these protective measures to prevent or delay eviction. This leads to a legal grey area where the rights of the owner may conflict with the temporary protection granted to squatters, particularly in cases where there is clear abuse of the system. As a result, enforcing property rights can become more complicated, and the number of squatters in Spain may increase.
