Though the issue of squatting and squatters (known as okupas in Spanish) is sometimes overdone in the Spanish press, as The Local explored here previously, in reality it's a real concern of many property owners around Spain.
Those involved in the okupa movement are often familiar with Spanish law, or, at the very least, have an understanding of what they can do and how to get away with it while delaying legal repercussions, something that is key in the convoluted Spanish system.
Recent reforms by the Spanish government were brought in to speed up so-called 'express evictions', but there has been little in terms of results so far and creative squatters are finding new ways to bend the law.
READ ALSO: Okupas - What's the law on squatting in Spain?
Spanish media reports suggest that the okupa movement has even developed something of a so-called 'squatters manual' to train people how to identify empty properties and legal tricks to prolong their stay.
The squatter's handbook teaches methods for bypassing locks, gates, and padlocks, as well as rendering them unusable so that the owner can't regain entry to the property. Once inside, squatters block the lock from the inside by cold welding it or glue, their aim being to prevent the police from entering.
The pizza trick
Okupas also uses a variety of tricks to gain entry to the property in the first place. One of these is the pizza trick, as outlined online by Spanish property lawyer Miguel Ángel Mejías in Spain's ABC newspaper.
According to Mejías, this method is usually used on second homes. Days or weeks before entering the house, the squatters order pizza to the address of the property they plan to squat. As they haven't yet gained access to the property, they collect it at the front door and keep the receipt.
This receipt then becomes supposed 'proof of residence' and after a few weeks or months, "when the owner realises and calls the police, the squatters present the pizza receipts along with a fake rental contract," explains Mejías.
With these documents, regardless of whether they are fake, it is no longer considered a flagrant offence and the police cannot take immediate action. "As it is not a flagrant offence, the police cannot evict them immediately, forcing the owner to take legal action" and bogging them down in a long, drawn out process, Mejías adds.
How squatters identity empty properties in Spain
Okupas have several ways of identifying empty properties in the first place.
Marking the door
One of the simplest, oldest and most effective methods known to squatters is marking a door with a piece of plastic next to the lock and checking back after a few days. If it is still there, it means that no one has entered the property and it's empty.
This is also done by placing a small strip of glue or silicone on the door frame. If the door isn't opened it will remain intact, telling them that no one has entered the property and it's likely empty or a second-home that's therefore ripe for squatting.
The water trick
This technique is newer and was reportedly first used last summer in Barcelona.
It involves accessing a building's water supply and turning it off to test occupied properties. After a few days, the squatter returns to check which ones have not been turned back on, knowing that these houses will almost certainly be empty.
Using force
Squatters will take advantage of any open window or balcony to sneak into a property, but they also have no problem using brute force if necessary. Crowbars are commonly used to force doors open, as are drills, glass cutters, hammers and other tools.
READ ALSO: 'Inquiokupa' - The type of squatters homeowners in Spain fear most
Other tips to avoid squatters
Spanish property website Idealista has published a guide for property owners on how to avoid okupas gaining access. Here are some of the best tips"
Limit information
Squatters look for information about the properties they want to occupy.
They search online for listings that indicate the property is for sale or rent but unoccupied. They may also talk to neighbours and ask questions to assess whether it can be occupied.
Avoid putting up “For sale” signs and posting ads online that mention the property is empty.
Security cameras and alarms
Squatters make rounds to monitor properties, checking for security cameras and where they are located. They also observe people coming in and out of the property, for example, whether gardeners or neighbours come, or the periods when it is empty. Foreigners with holiday homes often fall foul of this.
Having CCTV cameras or an alarm system is the best option for protecting your property. If squatters are caught in the act of entering the property, they can be removed immediately and before the long legal process begins.
Leave personal belongings in the property
Many squatters leave their belongings in the house, such as personal photos, toiletries or bags in order to establish their supposed 'residence' in the property and prevent them from being evicted.
If you own a second home, Idealista says it's essential not to leave it empty and to make sure to leave your own personal belongings behind to indicate that the property is not empty or abandoned.
READ ALSO: The risky trend in Spain of buying bargain homes with squatters in them
Comments