The Balearic Government is to take tougher action against landlords who exploit tenants by renting out apartments that do not meet minimum habitability standards. Amendment is to be made to the previous government's housing law. This will impose new fines of up to €90,000; this will represent a trebling of the current maximum fine per accommodation unit.
The Partido Popular, hopeful of parliamentary support to push this through, say financial exploitation of overcrowded housing will now also be considered a very serious offence. This was previously categorised as just serious and therefore subject to a lower penalty.
The amendment seeks to clarify what is meant by substandard housing and is against a background of what have been high-profile cases such as that of the Palma Police officer in charge of renting out basement units that were for storage purposes.
The change will allow for clearer legal action against situations such as overcrowded apartments and illegal subdivisions. It will also enhance the capacity for inspection and enforcement.
As a further measure, the PP are seeking to clarify the situation regarding the renting-out of shanties, which hasn't been subject to specific regulation.