The housing crisis in the southern region of Tenerife has been deteriorating steadily. More and more residents are voicing their struggles in finding affordable housing options. Some have been compelled to share flats, reside in caravans or vans, and unfortunately, a few have had to depart from the island. Carmen García from Malaga is a case in point, who shared her experience with DIARIO DE AVISOS on April 10 and eventually had to bid farewell to Tenerife after nearly three decades.
However, the landlady of the flat where García resided for the past five years presented a contrasting narrative yesterday. While she chose not to disclose her identity, she shed light on nuances and provided documents that cast doubt on certain statements made by the tenant, particularly in relation to the rental agreement. “There was never any alteration to the rental fee as claimed by her, quite the opposite,” she emphasises. She reveals that between 2019 and 2022, the rental contract underwent amendments in the tenant’s favour. For instance, during the Covid-19 crisis, the rent was reduced from 600 to 450 Euros. This concession was specifically due to the pandemic circumstances,” she elucidates.
In her account, Carmen García highlighted “a hike of 150 Euros,” whereas the apartment owner substantiated with certified payments that the actual increase was 50 Euros.
“Once a tenant has occupied the property for five years, the law stipulates that the landlord cannot extend the existing contract and may set a new rental price to relet the property, which in this case was established at 650 Euros.” These revised terms were communicated to the tenant with a three-month notice, as mandated by regulations, although she claimed to have not been informed prior. Nevertheless, the tenant provided this newspaper with a burofax confirming that the process was in compliance with the prevailing regulations.
“My scenario is not akin to that of a heartless landlord devoid of compassion for his tenant,” she asserts. Consequently, she makes a plea and implores “not to vilify all property owners.” “I have consistently assisted to the best of my ability. Her narrative does not align with the reality of the occurrences over these years,” she asserts. “Many of us have encountered similar circumstances and are aware of the challenges in meeting rental payments. My family faced it when I was young, but we should not bear the consequences for the wrongdoers alone,” she emphasises.
