A legal scandal has erupted in Barcelona, raising questions about the transparency of real estate transactions. Buyers of an apartment in Igualada found themselves at the center of a troubling ordeal: instead of the peaceful home life they expected after moving in, they were confronted with an invasion of American cockroaches. It turned out the previous owners had failed to disclose a severe infestation that, as it turned out, had been ongoing long before the sale.
The family, who purchased the apartment for €291,000, anticipated a quiet and cozy life, especially with a baby on the way. But within days of settling in, they were met with an unpleasant surprise: a large cockroach appeared on the kitchen counter. This was only the beginning—soon, the residents noticed a constant presence of insects, signs of their activity, and traps left behind by the former owners. Moreover, holes were discovered in the ceiling and behind tiles, leading to the building’s common areas, which only made matters worse.
Legal battle
Despite multiple attempts at professional disinfection, the family struggled for months to get rid of the unwelcome guests. Even after the baby was born, the infestation persisted. The new owners decided to take the issue to court, demanding either a reduction in the apartment’s price or compensation for damages. As evidence, they provided expert reports confirming that the infestation was chronic and stemmed not only from their apartment but also from structural issues in the building itself.
The former owners, in turn, claimed they had never encountered a serious infestation and blamed the issue on technical problems with the building. They insisted that they had acted on the property management company’s recommendations and considered the incident isolated, attributing it to insufficient maintenance of common areas.
Court of Appeal Ruling
Initially, the trial court ruled in favor of the sellers and dismissed the buyers’ lawsuit. However, the appellate court reconsidered the case and reached the opposite conclusion. The judges determined that the cockroach infestation existed before the sale and had been concealed from the new owners. Particular attention was given to the fact that the insect nests were located in hard-to-reach areas—behind the false ceiling and tiles—which made them impossible to detect during a standard inspection.
The court also noted that the sellers not only failed to inform the buyers of the problem, but did not disclose it to the real estate agency either. This conduct was deemed a violation of good faith, serving as a key argument in favor of the plaintiffs.
Compensation and consequences
As a result, the appeals court ordered the former owners to pay compensation in the amount of €24,593.45. This sum covers the cost of pest control, repair work, materials, temporary accommodation in another apartment during repairs, as well as moral damages suffered by the family.
The story has sparked widespread reaction among property buyers and sellers in Catalonia. Many are now wondering how thoroughly they should inspect a property before purchase and how to protect themselves from similar unpleasant surprises. The court ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and transparency in real estate transactions, and that even small details can turn into major problems.
