Eviction of disabled mother and five children in Leganés halted

The eviction of Josefina, a woman with a disability and five children living in public rental housing in Leganés, has been postponed for the second time. She stated that she feels exhausted by the accumulated suffering.

The eviction of **Josefina**, a woman with a disability and five children residing in public rental housing in **Leganés**, has been postponed for the second time. The affected party expressed her exhaustion: "I am tired. I am tired of this suffering. I can't take any more."

## What peine and why it matters

Public rental housing is a limited resource allocated based on need criteria. That a large family with disabilities faces eviction from such a property raises questions about social protection mechanisms and the management of the public stock.

The case gained attention because the affected person spoke out. Her brief and direct testimony summarizes a situation that is not isolated: people with low incomes, family burdens, and health problems trapped between insufficient aid and the free market.

## Context of public housing in Spain

Spain has one of the smallest social housing stocks in Western Europe, around **2%** of total residential units, compared to much higher percentages in countries like the Netherlands or France. This means that when a family loses their public housing, alternatives are scarce and expensive.

Private rents in the southern area of Madrid have risen steadily. A three-bedroom apartment in **Leganés** can exceed **€900** per month, an unattainable figure for a household with five children and a person with a disability.

## What data says about evictions

Evictions for non-payment of rent in Spain exceeded **20,000** proceedings in 2023, according to data from the General Council of the Judiciary (Consejo General del Poder Judicial). Most affect families with incomes below the poverty threshold.

Postponements, like **Josefina**'s, do not solve the underlying problem. They only buy time. Without a stable housing alternative, the situation may repeat itself.

## Case figures

The eviction has been postponed twice. The family lives in public rental housing in **Leganés**. **Josefina** has five children and a recognized disability. Her testimony reflects extreme exhaustion.

Social services and local administrations have protocols for vulnerable cases, but their application depends on resources that are not always available. Public housing is not infinite and waiting lists are long.

This article does not provide legal or social advice. If you or someone close to you finds themselves in a similar situation, contact your city hall's social services or specialized organizations.