Second Investigation Launched Against Real Estate Agency for Illegally Charging Tenants
The Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption, and the 2030 Agenda has initiated a second sanctioning inquiry against a national real estate agency, suspected of levying illegal commission fees on tenants and potentially coercing them into subscribing to unsolicited services. In an official statement, the department, led by Pablo Bustinduy, announced that this recent investigation is part of a wider effort that began last October, culminating in an initial sanctioning inquiry in March against another agency for similar abusive practices.
The ongoing investigation into these incidents was triggered by complaints from tenant advocacy groups like the Tenants Union (CECU) and consumer organizations including FACUA and OCU. These entities reported serious violations, such as coercing tenants into paying hidden commissions or purchasing unwanted insurance and services. Notably, in a March 27 press release, FACUA revealed that the agency Alquiler Seguro was implicated in the first sanctioning inquiry after they allegedly forced tenants to pay fees equating to one month’s rent plus a staggering 21% VAT, under the pretext of providing a tenant care service.
In the latest press release from Bustinduy’s ministry, the new sanctioning file managed by the General Directorate of Consumption reinforces the legislation that categorically prohibits tenants from being responsible for these unlawful expenses. The law stipulates significant fines for such infractions, which can reach serious penalties of up to 100,000 euros or, in severe cases, escalating to one million euros.
These recent actions also build upon files opened against rental management companies, alongside the blocking of more than 65,935 illegal property listings on the Airbnb platform, as noted in the ministry's statement.
"Housing is a right and a basic necessity protected by law," the press release emphasized, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding access to housing as a paramount objective. The continued scrutiny of real estate practices underscores an urgent need for tenant protections and consumer rights in the face of exploitative rental practices.
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