The Ocupas Phenomenon in Spain (Part 2): Challenges and Solutions

Today we bring you a story full of challenges and difficulties that serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who decides to long-term rental in Spain, also we will introduce you to possible security solutions that few people know about.

In the story we received from a reader, the first steps were promising: apartment prepared, tenants found. Unfortunately, it soon became apparent that the promising beginning did not herald a successful conclusion.

No payments, no contact, and there were complaints from neighbors about noise and inappropriate behavior of tenants.The owner, while trying to resolve the matter personally, had to face aggression from tenants, which forced him to call the police. Even after these incidents, he was unable to retrieve the apartment on his own, and attempts to hire companies to help in this type of situation were also unsuccessful.

In the end, all that was left was a lengthy lawsuit, which takes another precious resource of time and money. This story shows that long-term rentals can be risky, while choosing short-term rentals may seem more secure. However, not everyone is willing or able to organize short-term rentals, so we have found some useful solutions that can protect you from unwanted consequences.

How to secure a long-term apartment rental?

1. WOLO: Will organize your secure rental, risk-free
The first proposal is from WOLO, which advertises itself as a solution that provides “secure rental, risk-free and forever”. This company offers a comprehensive rental service, including tenant search, guaranteed payments and a platform to control the rental process. Although the company charges for its services, it is worth considering the benefits of providing security and stability in a long-term lease.

2. ARAG: Landlord Insurance
The second proposition is ARAG, which offers landlord insurance. Their policy includes protection against non-payment of rent, coverage for damage resulting from vandalism and the need for a locksmith. This solution can provide additional financial security and protection against possible damages resulting from renting a property.

3. Zazume: Checking the solvency of tenants
The third suggestion is Zazume, a company that specializes in checking the solvency of potential tenants. Thanks to their services, you can avoid situations related to insolvent tenants and minimize the risks associated with renting a property.

We recommend that anyone interested in renting an apartment familiarize themselves with the offer of the listed companies and choose the option that best suits their situation. It is also worth considering the possibility of transferring the costs associated with security of tenancy to the tenant, which is a popular practice among Spanish landlords.

Keep in mind that proper security for a long-term lease of an apartment can bring peace of mind and security to both the landlord and the tenant.

Below, as a cautionary tale, we quote a story told by our reader.



Let me tell you what the encounter with my tenant in Spain was like. Two years ago, I purchased an apartment in a gated community with the intention of renting it while I was away in Spain. I decided on a long-term lease and carefully prepared the apartment for this purpose. The first tenants I signed a contract with were Poles who wanted to live in sunny Spain. Our cooperation went smoothly for six months, however, it ended due to their return to Poland.

After re-advertising the apartment for rent, two Hispanic friends came forward through another Pole. Initially, everything went smoothly - no problems with the deposit, and the conversations went smoothly. Unfortunately, after two months, trouble began. The tenants stopped paying their rent and utilities, and it was difficult to get in touch with them by phone or email.

Since I was in Poland, I asked a friend living in Spain to check the situation in the apartment. It turned out that one of the tenants was staying in the apartment with two children, which she had not mentioned before. She explained that she had financial problems and promised to settle the outstanding payments. I even offered her an early termination, but she decided to stay.

Unfortunately, the situation did not improve. Complaints began to come in from neighbors about noise and disturbances, and there were even suspicions of illegal activities in my apartment. Concerned by these reports, I decided to personally go to Spain to talk to the tenant and propose a solution situation. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the place, I did not find her, and in the apartment a party was being held by her teenage son, who then became aggressive and attacked me.

The police were called, and I was taken to the hospital for an obstruction. Paradoxically, I was the victim of the attack, but it was the tenant who filed a complaint against me. I realized then that I could no longer deal with the situation personally. I decided to use the services of a company that specializes in getting unwanted tenants out. Unfortunately, despite the cost, the company proved ineffective.

In the end, we decided to take the road legal to get the apartment back. This is a time-consuming and uncertain process, but we had no other choice. From this experience, short-term rentals can be a safer option than long-term rentals, but for now I am not thinking about what kind of rentals I will choose in the future, right now I just want my apartment back.

If you haven't yet read our article No. 1 discussing the “Ransom phenomenon” we invite you to read it:
https://polska-costa.com/post/zjawisko-ocupas-w-hiszpanii-wyzwania-i-rozwiazania