In the Carabanchel district of Madrid, on María Guerrero Street, six families facing immediate eviction were able to remain in their homes. A morning that began with anxiety and police cordons ended in relief: the building’s owner, Sareb, unexpectedly suspended the eviction process. For the residents, this is a chance to buy time and seek fair living conditions.
From early morning, several police cars were stationed outside the building and the street was partially blocked off. Residents couldn’t leave their apartments freely; even those not scheduled for eviction faced movement restrictions. One mother managed to take her children to school only after her documents were checked. Members of the tenants’ union and activists who came to support the families also underwent checks and fear possible fines.
Despite the tense atmosphere, neighbors and supporters quickly gathered at the building, chanting slogans and demanding an end to the evictions. At one point, protesters even tried to break through the police cordon, but after a brief standoff, they returned to the sidewalk. The show of support outside gave residents a morale boost, as they still didn’t know how the day would end.
A new hope for residents
Authorities and court officials arrived at the building around noon, but did not discuss the situation with residents or activists. After a brief inspection of the premises, they left the house without offering any explanations. For the families, this meant only one thing: the eviction was postponed, but the issue remains unresolved.
Out of the fourteen apartments in the building, only eight received offers for social housing, while the remaining six were served eviction notices. All of this started after Sareb acquired the building at the end of last year. Now, the residents hope to negotiate a collective rental contract without the contentious clauses that have already been found in some agreements. They also want assurances that if the building is eventually transferred to the state agency SEPES, their rights will be protected.
The fight for housing continues
For many residents of the Carabanchel neighborhood, this case has become a symbol of the struggle for affordable housing. Young people who came to support the families point out that the prospect of owning an apartment in Madrid is becoming increasingly elusive. Neighbors believe that real estate speculation is destroying this traditional working-class area, which has always been home to ordinary people.
While Sareb promises to consider each situation individually, residents insist on collective negotiations and transparent conditions. They are determined not to give up and plan to keep fighting for their homes, hoping their example will help others facing similar circumstances.
