The Balearic Government and the National Police have discovered an overcrowded property in Manacor where up to 30 people had been living. The unfinished property was in poor condition, with rooms separated by curtains and some people even sleeping under a covered area in the courtyard. The occupants said they were paying the owner between €80 and €100 per person.
The property did not meet adequate or safe living conditions. Photo: National Police/CAIB.
The inspection was carried out during August in a joint operation by National Police officers in Manacor and the Balearic Government’s Housing Inspection Service. The inspection found that the property did not meet adequate or safe living conditions.
Rooms separated by curtains and up to six people sleeping in the courtyard
Inside the property, inspectors found six rooms, some separated only by curtains. There were also several kitchens and three shared bathrooms.
The inspection also found a covered area in the courtyard where, according to the occupants themselves, up to six people had slept. One of the staircases had several construction props being used as a makeshift railing, while various rooms had holes and other damage.
The overcrowded property in Manacor had a registered area of 90 m² designated as residential space, 103 m² as storage and 35 m² as parking. However, all 228 m² of the property were being used as living space.
At the time of the inspection, seven people were in the property and were identified by the National Police. The residents themselves told officers that at certain times as many as 30 people had been living there.
Between €80 and €100 rent per person
The occupants said they paid the owner between €80 and €100 per person. Each person was charged individually, regardless of how many people were staying in each room. Those living under the covered area outside were also charged.
According to information provided by the Balearic Government, the owner was taking advantage of the housing needs of those living at the property to charge them rent.
The regional government has opened proceedings with a view to subsequently launching sanctioning proceedings. The Llei d’Habitatge de les Illes Balears (Balearic Islands Housing Act) classifies the overcrowding of residential properties as a very serious offence.
The penalties range from €30,001 to €90,000.
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