Question
How should we deal with potentially violent squatter neighbors in Spain, who disrupt our peace by refusing to shut their doors, causing noise, domestic disputes, and leaving children unattended in our apartment building? The landlord issued an eviction notice, but we’re hesitant to involve the police due to safety concerns, and we’re considering breaking our lease. What can we do in this situation?
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
”Nothing you can do… Just leave…take the one month deposit loss and move on”
”Break the lease”
”Move out”
”You’re not alone, I BOUGHT my flat then discovered a squatter couple in the flat above mine. They come back with friends at 1 or 2pm then party for the next 12 hours, obviously on coke, 2 or 3 times a week. They pay nothing, I pay all my taxes, electricity, water, gas. Called the police several times, they will do nothing. But when I know they are going to bed I put speakers in my top cupboard full blast with heavy metal for hours on end. They still party but with no music, still keeps me awake all night tho. Play them at their own game, if any violence get a doctors certificate straight away , get police involved, denounce them. I feel for you”
”Call the police and move out so”
”I would risk it and Just call the police.. I believe if the doors are open it helps the police push them out”
”Welp, if kids are being abused, you should report it, regardless of what the rumors are of what “could happen” to you. Also, maybe..they get arrested and thus removed from the unit”
”The laws in Spain are insane on this issue. I feel very sorry for you. I would look for another place to live. Maybe make sure you have any and all complaints to your landlord in writing. You should not lose out financially for your decision to move”
”GTFO as soon as you can! What a night are. And you know the landlord knew about this horrible situation yet still let you rent it and suffer”
”I have lived with the worst neighbors owning their flat above me, I had to sell my home because the owner was so off the chart above and when I engaged became threatening. there is none to call, there is nothing you can do when someone lives so close – police even said if he wanted to do anything, we wouldn’t arrive in time… and he hadn’t actually ‘done’ anything so what did I want?! He owned his house so it was me or him. it is better to leave earlier rather than waiting for it to get worse, loose some money its better than feeling stressed or upset all the time. You’re renting and the beauty of that is although moving sucks, you can just leave fairly easily”
”Move out then call the police”
”You can probably break the lease legally on the grounds that your apartment is not safe. I think it’s worth a try to negotiate with your landlord to leave without any losses on your part. They probably knew about the squatters but didn’t tell you cause it’s very hard to rent when giving full disclosure of this info”
”Don’t call the police. Your neighbors will suspect and may seek revenge. Get out as soon as possible. This situation is risky”
”I’m afraid it could be years before they move. The court will not make children homeless. So unless/until the council provides them with alternative housing or they move voluntarily, they are there for keeps. Sorry, but that’s the reality you face”
”I think that these laws will be changed soon. The two main political parties in Spain (PP and PSOE) promised if elected to amend the law so that express desokupations can happen in 24 and 48 hours or so. Anyhow, in my case, I know that nothing fuels me more than something making me angry and I know that I could be very angry if someone squatters my home. Squatters play the system, but I can play it too. I would have the people out in no time. I rather sleep at peace than angry”
”Thanks for the support, everyone. We’re going to move out as soon as we can”
In conclusion, according to Spainguru Facebook group members, some suggest breaking the lease and moving out to escape the situation, others recommend involving the police, especially if children are at risk or if violence is a concern. The decision to move out or stay and address the issue legally depends on your comfort level with potential risks and the local laws governing such situations. It’s clear that this is a challenging and distressing situation, and the ultimate choice will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities.
