An 87-year-old woman was evicted from her Madrid flat after the property was sold to a firm that raised the rent, underscoring Spain’s acute housing shortage.
April 2024: Sale of the Building
The apartment building in central Madrid was purchased by a real estate investment firm earlier this year. The new owner announced a rent increase for existing tenants.
May 2024: Rent Hike Notice
Maricarmen, the 87-year-old tenant, received a notice demanding payment of the higher rent. She was unable to meet the new amount.
June 2024: Eviction Proceedings
The landlord filed for eviction. Local courts approved the request, citing non‑payment of the revised rent.
June 15, 2024: Eviction Executed
Authorities removed Maricarmen from the flat. She was left without immediate housing, prompting calls for emergency assistance.
Current Situation
The case has drawn attention to Spain’s rental market, where rising prices and limited supply force vulnerable residents into precarious situations. Advocacy groups are urging the government to strengthen tenant protections and increase affordable housing stock.