Spain Eviction Ban: Government Moves to Stop Evictions Until 2030 After 87-Year-Old’s Removal
Spain’s coalition government has approved new housing measures that would extend restrictions on evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, following widespread protests over the removal of an 87-year-old woman from her Madrid home.
The government announced the measures on Tuesday, September 29, after several days of demonstrations across Spain. The eviction of María del Carmen Abascal, widely known as Maricarmen, became a major symbol of the country’s housing crisis.
However, the measures still need approval in Spain’s Congress before they become permanent law.
87-Year-Old Woman Evicted From Madrid Home
Abascal was forcibly removed from her apartment in Madrid’s Retiro neighborhood on September 23.
She had lived in the property for about 70 years. Police carried her from the apartment on a stretcher during the eviction, and she was later hospitalized.
The dramatic scenes quickly spread across social media and triggered anger among housing activists.
Thousands of people subsequently joined demonstrations demanding stronger protection for tenants and changes to Spain’s housing laws. Hundreds of protesters also established a camp in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol.
Spain Proposes Eviction Restrictions Until 2030
Health Minister Mónica García said the coalition government had reached an agreement on measures designed to provide greater protection for tenants.
One of the main proposals would extend the existing restrictions on evictions involving vulnerable tenants until 2030.
The government also wants to extend rental contracts that are due to expire until 2028 and introduce new rules covering temporary and room rentals.
Another measure would restrict investment funds described by the government as “vulture funds” from purchasing housing until 2028.
The proposals were approved through two decrees. The government hopes Parliament will consider them quickly, but the governing coalition does not hold a majority.
Maricarmen Abascal Set to Return Home
The housing dispute involving Abascal also took an unexpected turn.
Her lawyer said the 87-year-old had accepted an agreement allowing her to return to the apartment after she leaves hospital.
Under the agreement, her rent would be limited to about €500 per month, or roughly 30% of her income. The arrangement is expected to run for eight years.
The agreement came after intense public attention surrounding her eviction.
Her case became a rallying point for protesters who argued that elderly and vulnerable tenants should not be forced from long-term homes because of rising housing costs.
Housing Crisis Drives Protests
Spain’s housing problems extend beyond Abascal’s case.
The country is facing a shortage of homes, while rents and property prices have continued to rise in many areas.
Protesters have called for stronger tenant protections, rent controls and measures to prevent people from being removed from their homes without suitable alternatives.
Around 30,000 people reportedly marched in Madrid during one of the demonstrations, while smaller protests were held in other Spanish cities.
The government says its new measures are intended to respond to the wider crisis rather than only to Abascal’s case.
Parliament Must Approve the Measures
Despite the government’s announcement, the proposed Spain eviction ban is not yet final.
The coalition must secure enough support in Congress to keep the measures in force. The government’s lack of a parliamentary majority could make that process difficult.
Some opposition parties have raised concerns about how the proposals could affect small landlords. Others have called for stronger protection for vulnerable tenants.
For now, the government is seeking parliamentary support while housing activists continue to pressure politicians.
The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal has therefore become part of a much broader national debate over housing affordability, tenant rights and the role of investment funds in Spain’s property market.
About the Author
