“Feel utterly helpless with my hands tied: A group has occupied a property of mine and there seems to be nothing I can do! The owner of the Terrera House located in the El Toscal neighbourhood, which was recently squatted last Tuesday in the centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, expressed feeling “entirely despondent” and “powerless.” She noted that neither law enforcement nor the legal system has been able to intervene to prevent the unlawful occupation of a home that holds significant sentimental value for her family and which she intended to renovate for her children.
«Can you fathom how I feel? Upon discovering that they have taken over the house, I rushed to see what had occurred only to find police officers who not only refused to allow me near the door but explained that they couldn’t do anything as they required a court order and that it would not be issued because this situation is deemed not of extreme gravity».
This resident of Tenerife, who prefers to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation, anticipated that eviction would occur within 48 hours of the occupation since she possessed all the necessary documents validating her ownership of the property. «The police clarified that this is not the case; the justice system only acts if in addition to the occupation something quite serious occurs, like a murder. Consequently, a house of mine has been stolen and yet no action can be taken. It is astonishing». The woman claims to have lost “all faith” in a system “that fails to uphold a constitutional right regarding private property».
Two ‘squatters’ transport a mattress into number 10 of the second Ravina Passage in El Toscal. / Ed
The incident happened last Tuesday night when a group of young individuals that had previously squatted a house on El Greeto de El Toscal street forced entry into another nearby property located at number 10 of the second Ravina passage. They gained access inside and remained there until Friday night, with it being reported that neither the National Police nor the Justice department had taken any action to resolve the situation. The owner found out about the incident the following day through the news, although some neighbours had attempted to alert her beforehand.
It is a two-storey house that occupies a plot of roughly 90 square metres and is protected as it forms part of the cultural heritage assets (BIC) of the historic El Toscal neighbourhood. The owner had inherited the property and initiated renovation proceedings last year, which required compliance with strict protection laws due to its historical significance. «I visited the house almost every weekend to air it out and keep an eye on it. But I never envisioned that something like this could occur,» she confides.
The homeowner discovered via media reports the day after the occupation, despite neighbours attempting to inform her beforehand
A few weeks prior, she noticed chewing gum in the lock. “I told my husband that it seemed suspicious, but we removed it and entered normally,” she recalls. This account aligns with other residents’ experiences from the area who reported finding chewing gum too. Residents conclude that this group of squatters uses chewing gum to check if properties are vacant and then seize them if possible.
The woman feels powerless not only because no action has been taken to remove the squatters, despite her having filed a complaint with the National Police the very next day and immediately proving her ownership, but also due to the fact that the safety of the squatters is compromised given the house’s “very poor condition.” Additionally, “the aggressive and confrontational behaviour of some of these young individuals has instilled fear in the entire neighbourhood, which has always been peaceful.” “This isn’t just a serious citizen security issue,” she adds.
Police presence in the second Ravina passage after one of the ‘squatters’ threatened a neighbour with a knife. / Ed
For instance, she recalls that last Wednesday, two of them confronted a group of neighbours, and one wielded a knife during the incident, which witnesses observed. «They’ve unlawfully taken a property that is also protected and was slated for renovation; those same individuals put their own lives at risk since the roof could collapse, they intimidate an entire neighbourhood, and yet nothing can be done! It is absurd».
This passage, where the Terrera House is situated, known as the Second Ravina, along with another similar nearby, First Ravina, emerged in the late 19th century as a result of societies related to the port activities in Santa Cruz and, despite some houses being in a state of disrepair, it still stands as one of the great attractions of El Toscal and a true historical and heritage treasure.
The family that inherited number 10 had initiated the renovation process and was waiting for municipal technicians to review the project to obtain the necessary building permit and commence work. Now they are facing an occupation that they fear could prolong indefinitely, similar to many other cases.
«I cannot comprehend how there exists legislation that fails to halt such blatant illegality. I do not understand, nor does anyone else grasp why the police are unable to act, why a judge does not intervene. Can you imagine someone committing a robbery or a bank heist and being left unchallenged? Well, that is the reality of occupation in Spain».
“Can you imagine someone committing a robbery or a bank heist and being left unchallenged? Well, that is the reality of ‘occupation’ in Spain”
Besides being in dire condition, the house lacks water and contains no kitchen, bathrooms, or furnishings. «It only has electricity; I won’t cut it off either. Squatters would report me and face sanctions… it’s the world turned upside down».
In addition to lodging her complaint with the National Police from the outset, this woman has referred the case to her lawyers. «As of now, we have not made any progress. It’s all hurdles. However, when it comes to collecting taxes, such as those owed for this very house, they are swift and efficient», she remarks. «This system has left me exposed, vulnerable, and has violated a constitutional right that I am entitled to as a citizen fulfilling my responsibilities,» she concludes.
