The problem of illegal occupation of homes in Spain is an issue that generates concern among homeowners and it is not for less, since it is a crime that grows every year. Without going any further, complaints about property occupation in our country increased by 40.9% in four years, going from 10,376 facts known by the Security Forces in 2015 to 14,621 with which it ended in 2019.
In 2020, the increase in these criminal acts continued to grow in the midst of the pandemic, so that in the first half of last year complaints increased by 5% compared to the same period in 2019. Thus, between January and June, 7,450 complaints were received, compared to at 7,093 in the first half of 2019, which means about 40 complaints per day. In addition, this figure is actually higher, since it only reflects the cases that have come to court.
The situation generated by Covid last year was not of great help to us, since mobility limitations did not allow many people to travel or visit their second homes for months. Although the reality is somewhat different this year, the concern among the owners is still latent and that is why the Rental Negotiating Agency gives us a series of keys to try to avoid occupation this summer.
Among them, the installation of an alarm in the house stands out, since the simple fact of having an alarm sign can deter squatters, but also, in the event of the crime, it will not be considered occupation, if no trespassing, and therefore they are two totally different figures, since the latter allows the police to act immediately.
1. Rent the house
The first place and perhaps the safest measure is not to have the house empty, and therefore have it for rent. In this way, the house will be rented and will fulfill the double objective of, on the one hand, being inhabited, and at the same time obtaining a return on it.
2. Having the house in the rental process
If you do not have the home already rented, one option to be prepared against occupation is to have the home in the rental process, that is, that your rental is being managed, where a professional will be regularly showing the home, maintaining this way a certain activity on it, where it will not be totally closed.
3. Install an alarm
Having an alarm connected to the police, will provide us with the security that the police receive a notice at the time of the occupation and can act directly against the break-in or theft, since the police will be able to enter the house to remove those who have entered it illegally.
4. Home automation system
It is also highly recommended according to the Rental Negotiating Agency, if we have to leave the house closed while we go on vacation, install some kind of home automation system in our house, which turns lights on and off, the television, opens or closes blinds, and In this way we can show activity in the house.
5. Water the plants
If we have plants, it is the perfect time to ask a family member or neighbor to stop by from time to time to water them.
6. Do not post on social networks that you are going on vacation
The less public information there is about our activity, in relation to our home, the better. In this sense, if we publish very specific details of our vacations on social networks and therefore the days of absence from our home, we are giving very valuable information so that they can occupy or steal from our home.
7. Do not put signs on the street
While we are not in the house, because we have gone on vacation, it is advisable not to put posters on the windows or terraces announcing the rental or sale of the houses. These posters are an invitation to occupation.
8. Having personal belongings
If there are all kinds of belongings, items for personal use and enjoyment in our habitual home or second home, we will be highly protected against occupation. And that happens because, if the house were occupied, it would be a burglary and not a crime of burglary, so people would be easily evacuated from the house, by the police
Home insurance that covers this crime
From acierto.com they are also committed to having home insurance, which in addition to covering basic risks, offers coverage in case of illegal occupation, or by legal protection insurance that contemplates claims in the field of housing and protects us legally if someone occupies our house (that is, it does not always have to be home insurance).
With this provision – that of legal defense – the company will take charge of the demands of third parties and of the legal problems resulting from the occupation. Of course, you must have hired it before the crime occurs in order to have your legal coverage.
However, it is important to point out that legal defense coverage is designed to cover the costs of the procedure and offer legal support, but it does not solve the problem of damage to the home.
The other alternative is to take out anti-squatter insurance or multi-risk home insurance that provides solutions in case of material damage. Before taking out home insurance, it is important to check that it covers damage from acts of vandalism or that it includes a specific guarantee for material damage caused during squatting. Malicious damage to the continent and its contents, except for graffiti, inscriptions, graffiti and the like, are considered acts of vandalism.
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