Among its initiatives, the focus is on providing mediation in eviction scenarios, as outlined in the adopted motion.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 28th March (Europa Press) –
The Plenary of the Cabildo de Tenerife has this Friday endorsed the promotion, alongside the island’s municipalities, of a virtual office aimed at delivering information and advice to citizens regarding housing, including details about existing “rights” and “legal avenues” concerning the occupation of properties.
The approved motion, put forth by the Canarian and Popular Party groups, indicates that the Office will also provide technical assistance for the handling of judicial or administrative procedures related to the safeguarding of housing rights.
Two amendments were submitted in total, one from the Socialist Party and the other from the Mixed Group (Vox), both of which were dismissed in the plenary session. The initiative from the PP and CC garnered 19 votes in favour and 11 against.
“The principal issue we face is the loss of nearly 8,000 homes in the traditional market, which is linked to the (state) Housing Law, having introduced legal insecurity for property owners,” stated the nationalist councillor Juan José Martínez during the plenary.
He cited “six reasons” why owners have opted for holiday rentals or closed their properties, including “fear” of occupation, constant and unpredictable changes in regulations, as well as “possible restrictions on rental prices” due to declarations of designated tension zones.
Martínez further elaborated on another concern, such as the “burden of responsibilities on owners,” the need for increased “profitability and control” in holiday rentals, and the issue of “legal insecurity” arising from non-payment and damage.
Naim Yanez from the Mixed Group (Vox) criticised CC and PP for once again presenting an initiative in the Plenary that he claims Vox had previously proposed to the Cabildo in December 2023, which received support from political groups aside from the PSOE, while asserting that “absolutely nothing has transpired” since then.
Housing Minister Sofía Hernández highlighted how the island government has shown in the current term that “action is possible” regarding housing issues, noting that “in just a year and a half,” resources have been mobilised, making them “pioneers” in programmes and agreements that facilitate housing construction.
“You could have done it as well, but you lacked the will and commitment to the citizens,” remarked the councillor, positing that the solution to occupation lies in the modification of state law, which makes “the true vulnerable party” the property owner, not the one occupying the property.
Priscila de León from the Socialist Party advocated for a “comprehensive public housing plan,” which would be supported by a public housing company to streamline procedures. “The first step is to equip the housing department with sufficient personnel to manage this newly acquired responsibility,” she stated.
Furthermore, she emphasised the necessity of creating a technical office to assist municipalities in the area and convene the island housing council.
“In this motion, what we observe is the absence of any mention regarding how this government intends to construct public housing. What is not conveyed by this motion is an acknowledgement of the distressing situations faced by families on this island, who must choose between paying rent or making a purchase,” she argued.
Details of the Motion
The proposed virtual housing office designed to inform citizens about their legal rights and options prior to the occupation of properties is intended to offer mediation in eviction matters.
The agreement also calls for urging the political representatives in the Congress of Deputies to prompt, as a matter of urgency, a reform of the national regulatory framework concerning housing.
Thus, they advocate for legislation that ensures the effective protection of property rights, expedited processes for reclaiming properties or occupations, and financial incentives for renting unoccupied dwellings, removing legal uncertainties for owners wishing to enter the housing market.
Additionally, it has been agreed to request the Government of the Canary Islands to strengthen, with priority, collaborative agreements with major housing holders such as financial institutions, developers, and investment funds.
This also includes a request for the expansion of the Canary Housing Plan, which places a “greater emphasis” on incentivising the construction of affordable housing, promoting public-private partnership models to enhance supply in municipalities experiencing the highest residential pressure.
