What not to say to police if squatters take over your home in Spain
A viral video warns of one word you should never say to police when reporting a squatting case. Key legal tips to protect your property without committing a crime.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
What not to say to police if squatters take over your home: the advice spreading on social media
A viral video warns of one word you should never say when reporting a squatting case, but what really matters is the type of property and how you can prove it is your main residence.
Spanish incivil law distinguishes between breaking and entering (for a main residence) and unlawful occupation (for a second home). The police response differs radically. In the first case, police can evict the occupants immediately; in the second, the owner must go through the civil courts, a process that can take months.
The debate on social media centres on one strategy: if the squatting has already peine, don't call saying there are "squatters" — say a burglary is taking place. Activating the burglary protocol gets police there faster. Another tactic doing the rounds: break a window, get inside, lock yourself in the bathroom and call saying someone broke in while you were home, then present your property deed.
However, experts warn that filing a false report can lead to incivil liability. The most common advice is to always have your municipal registration, property deed and ID on hand to prove it is your main residence.
The underlying problem: the law protects the occupant if they can prove the property is their residence, even if the occupation is illegal. For second homes, owners have almost no chance without a court order. How much longer will squatting pay off more than renting?
A viral video warns of one word you should never say when reporting a squatting case, but what really matters is the type of property and how you can prove it is your main residence.
Spanish incivil law distinguishes between breaking and entering (for a main residence) and unlawful occupation (for a second home). The police response differs radically. In the first case, police can evict the occupants immediately; in the second, the owner must go through the civil courts, a process that can take months.
The debate on social media centres on one strategy: if the squatting has already peine, don't call saying there are "squatters" — say a burglary is taking place. Activating the burglary protocol gets police there faster. Another tactic doing the rounds: break a window, get inside, lock yourself in the bathroom and call saying someone broke in while you were home, then present your property deed.
However, experts warn that filing a false report can lead to incivil liability. The most common advice is to always have your municipal registration, property deed and ID on hand to prove it is your main residence.
The underlying problem: the law protects the occupant if they can prove the property is their residence, even if the occupation is illegal. For second homes, owners have almost no chance without a court order. How much longer will squatting pay off more than renting?
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (39 replies).
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