The Department of Housing has proposed a fine of €45,000 to the owner of a flat in Palma who had converted the living room into a bedroom, causing overcrowding. The property, which has a capacity for six people, housed nine tenants.
The Department of Housing of the Balearic Government has proposed a fine of €45,000 to the owner of a flat in Palma who transformed the living room into a bedroom, leading to a situation of overcrowding. The flat, with a capacity for six people, accommodated nine tenants. According to the Department, the owner was thus earning monthly income exceeding €2,000.
Inspections in Protected Housing
This case is part of the 335 inspections carried out during the first half of the year regarding housing. Of these, 282 were linked to possible irregularities in official protected housing (VPO), accounting for 80% of the total. The most common violations include charging rents above the regulated maximum price and using these properties as second homes instead of primary residences.
The Department has also detected cases of rentals to individuals who did not meet the requirements to access a VPO or who owned 100% of another property. These practices, according to sources from the Government, undermine the social objective of protected housing.
Substandard Housing and Overcrowding in Mallorca
In addition to VPOs, the Department has intensified controls to detect substandard housing and cases of overcrowding, with 40 inspections in the same period. The practice of converting common areas into rooms to increase profitability is becoming widespread in Mallorca, according to alerts from the regional department. Many owners are abandoning traditional rentals to market by the room, often with irregularities.
The sanctioned owner in Palma is an example of this trend. The €45,000 fine adds to other penalties imposed on large landlords for failing to pay community expenses, also with fines of €45,000. Additionally, there are €18,000 in fines for those who refused to cooperate with inspectors.
Local Angle: What It Means for Palma Residents
For residents of Palma, these fines represent a relief in the fight against speculation and poor housing conditions. Overcrowding not only affects tenants, who live in cramped conditions, but also generates problems of coexistence and safety in buildings. The Government reminds residents that they can report suspicious situations through official channels.
The Department of Housing has announced that it will maintain inspection pressure during the second half of the year, with special attention to rental advertisements by the room that may conceal violations. The aim is to ensure that the housing stock, both protected and free, meets habitability conditions and regulated prices.
The sanctioned owner has a period of 15 days to present objections before the fine becomes final.
Meanwhile, the tenants of the Palma flat have been relocated by municipal social services. The Department recommends that tenants always check that the rental contract complies with regulations and report any irregularities.
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