The phenomenon of squatting in Spain continues to increase, and landlords are looking for strategies to avoid this problem. In a recent video on the TikTok Lawtips account, a specialized lawyer shared six practical tips to prevent squatters from gaining access to a home. This phenomenon is affecting more and more autonomous communities, including the Balearic Islands, as reflected in recent statistics from the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ). The video, which has gone viral, highlights the importance of prevention before having to face legal proceedings that can take years to resolve, according to an analysis by Idealista. Below, we summarize the key recommendations.
Tips to protect your home
The Lawtips attorney emphasizes that the best way to avoid squatting is to take preventive measures. Among the most prominent strategies:
- Install security systems: having alarms or surveillance cameras can be a great deterrent. In addition, connecting these systems to remote security services ensures an immediate response to any incident.
- Simulate occupancy: during prolonged absences, especially in second homes, it is essential to create the impression that the house is inhabited. This can include timers for lights and blinds or the collaboration of neighbors to collect mail.
- Make regular visits: If you have a vacant property, be sure to visit it regularly. This reduces the perception of abandonment and prevents it from becoming an easy target for squatters.
- Avoid obvious announcements of vacancy: on social networks or visible posters, avoid disclosing that the property is unoccupied. This type of information can be used by potential squatters to plan access.
- Take out specific insurance: there are policies designed to protect against squatting situations, including legal coverage for eviction proceedings and property damage.
- Securing doors and windows: in addition to electronic systems, high-security locks and bars can make unauthorized access more difficult.
@lawtips6ANTI-OKUPAS♬original sound – Lawtips
The squatting situation in the Balearic Islands
In the Balearic Islands, the average eviction of squatters reaches almost two years, according to recent data from the CGPJ. The delay in the legal processes and the complexity of the complaints make prevention more effective than acting after the fact. In addition, local studies show that many owners decide not to report for fear of reprisals or distrust of the judicial system. This increase in cases coincides with the general increase in squatting in Spain, a phenomenon analyzed in reports such as the one published by La Voz de Ibiza, which highlights a 26% growth in recent years.
Resources for homeowners
The Lawtips video has not only served as a practical guide, but also as a wake-up call on the need to act preventively. Disseminating these strategies can help homeowners protect their assets and avoid complex situations.
