Private eviction firms in Spain begin pressuring legal tenants amid soaring rents

Spain’s private “desokupa” companies, originally hired to evict illegal occupants, are increasingly applying their methods to tenants who hold legitimate rental agreements, particularly in high-rent provinces such as Malaga where prices reached €18.70 per square metre in August 2026. Landlords view replacing low-priced leases with market-rate contracts as financially attractive, prompting them to enlist these firms despite the lack of legal authority to force entry.

Reported tactics include frequent visits, verbal intimidation, monetary offers to vacate, and attempts to restrict building access, sometimes escalating to physical threats. The Spanish Constitution and Article 202 of the Penal Code forbid unlawful entry, and coercion is punishable under Article 172, yet victims often lack solid evidence. Guardia Civil officers acknowledge evidentiary challenges and recommend tenants record visits, preserve witness statements, and contact emergency services if threatened.