'Psychological torture': Spanish tenants fight back against housing 'harassment'

13 hours ago

Tenants in a Madrid building faced harassment after the property was sold to an investment fund, including construction disruptions to force them out.
Residents described the tactics as 'real estate harassment' (acoso inmobiliario), aimed at making living conditions unbearable to push tenants to leave.
A group of tenants took legal action, leading to Spain's first preliminary investigation into real estate harassment.
Construction work caused severe disruptions, including power cuts, leaks, and safety hazards, with half the tenants eventually leaving.
The legal case has set a precedent, with similar cases emerging in Barcelona, signaling a pushback against investor-driven displacement.
The building owner claimed renovations were for safety and habitability, offering temporary relocation to affected tenants.
Tenants view the legal battle as necessary to assert their rights amid Spain's soaring housing costs, where relocation is often unfeasible.

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