Is this correct ? - squatters are allowed to occupy homes permanently if not evicted within 24 hours? - Page 14

Keeping squatters out 

Make sure all your security gates are secure and locked 

If you have a patio door, drill through the centre and install screws at the top and bottom. This will secure the patio door otherwise the squatters simply apply pressure to the glass and push upwards to release the lock. You hear a click and the door is open. 

If your windows open inwards, you should have steel bars installed. A steel bracket will be fixed to either side of your window and the steel bar rests on them. The windows cannot be forced open with this in situ. 

Make it nigh impossible for squatters to gain access to your home. If you have a back door and a front door, install a steel bar on the one you don’t exit through. I’d prefer to secure my house.  You can buy dummy cameras with a battery in it. The camera shows a light and moves periodically. Place high up. Buy signs stating your house is protected by a security firm. Definitely ask a neighbour to keep a close eye on your property. Always show appreciation for their help. A little gift goes a long way. 
keep your gate locked, all doors and windows secured and gated. stop worrying. Get good house insurance and relax. 

We bought actual cameras from Leroy Merlin. Not expensive and are very reassuring when able to view our Spanish home from UK. My husband fit the camera and set up the app

Sue

Malin 17:

Thank you all who responded in this topic. I would like to inform you that we got our house back in San Vicente after 1yr & 1mo yesterday with the help of our lawyer, court jurors and a locksmith who guided us. No big damage was done except the swimming pool was black and algae/wild weeds were growing inside. The house itself is dirty and full of garbage seems they haven’t cleaned for a year, pots and pans and other utensils have dried food sticking on the edge and some small wall damages. The renovation order was half done. First he doesn’t want to go but the Guardia Civil intervened at the end. We are now looking for a prof cleaner to deep clean the whole house. Thank you everyone!

 I am not sure what the historic situation with squatting in the UK has to do with the complaints about squatters in Spain. Is that supposed to make people here feel better?

 Squatting in residential property was made illegal in the UK Sept 1 2012, so quite some time ago. Even before this action was taken UK laws never allowed the abuses that are seen in Spain. We are talking here about people taking over property and then having the right to use utility services for free, with the house owner risking prosecution for having them disconnected!  The property owner is made to look like a criminal simply for trying to get their property back. I don't recall that ever being the situation in the UK do you?

Let's see how effective the new anti-squatting squad are at clearing swuatter out of properties without changes to the Spanish residential laws to back them up. 

Rgds,

Aitch. 

I believe the aim is to reduce the number of homeless people without actually building any social housing for them, all these empty second homes are easy pickings. The owners still, by law, have to pay suma, utility bills, etc, at no cost to the government. Why would they change it.....................Then when the owners get their homes back they spend thousands on repairs, redecoration, replacing furniture, security upgrades, etc, etc. Great for the economy.

Rgds,

Aitch.

Hi I am looking for a place to rent in June around Malaga,  almeria areas of Spain.  House sitting would be great. As I could nit afford the seasonal rents.  I am willing to pay of course