Court Mandates Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants from Callao Sport Hotel in Costa Adeje

The Provincial Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has issued a decisive ruling requiring squatters to vacate the Callao Sport Hotel, situated in Callao Salvaje, Costa Adeje. This ruling marks the end of nearly nine months of unauthorized occupancy that has plagued the property since early this year.

According to the court’s decision, the individuals currently occupying the hotel must leave the premises voluntarily within a 30-day timeframe. Should they fail to comply, a forced eviction is set to take place on December 10, ensuring that the property can be returned to its rightful owners.

The Callao Sport Hotel is owned by Construcciones Domasa S.A., a company that has faced significant challenges since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotel has remained closed since the pandemic began, and it was reportedly taken over by a group of individuals who unlawfully entered the property through one of its entrances last February.

Since the illegal occupation commenced, the owners have reported extensive damage to the hotel, which has compounded their difficulties in navigating the legal landscape. The situation has been further complicated by various legal hurdles that have delayed the owners’ ability to reclaim their property swiftly.

Margarita Domínguez, the sole administrator of Construcciones Domasa S.A., recently managed to gain access to the hotel with a judicial team. Upon entering, she described the conditions inside as nothing short of devastating. In an interview with COPE Canarias, Domínguez characterized the looting and destruction as both “deep and systematic,” highlighting the severity of the situation.

Domínguez recounted her harrowing experience as she walked through the hotel, noting that the rooms had been left in utter disarray. Piles of garbage were scattered throughout the building, and extensive structural damage was evident. She expressed her profound dismay at the conditions, stating, “The image is horrific. They’re living among the rubbish. Some have even been defecating on the floor.” Such descriptions paint a grim picture of the state of the hotel, which was once a thriving establishment.

This incident has reignited a broader conversation in Tenerife regarding property rights, squatting laws, and the challenges faced by property owners in securing timely legal remedies against long-term illegal occupations. The case of the Callao Sport Hotel serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in property management and the legal protections available to owners.

As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the authorities will handle the impending eviction and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case has sparked debates among local residents, property owners, and legal experts about the effectiveness of current laws governing squatting and property rights.

In light of this ruling, there is a growing call for reforms that would provide property owners with more robust protections against unauthorized occupations. Advocates argue that the current legal framework often leaves owners vulnerable, particularly in cases where squatters occupy properties for extended periods.

Furthermore, the emotional toll on property owners like Domínguez cannot be understated. The distress caused by witnessing the degradation of one’s property, coupled with the financial implications of lost revenue during the hotel’s closure, has left many feeling helpless. As discussions continue, it is clear that the issue of squatting is not just a legal matter but also a deeply personal one for those affected.

Key points

• The Provincial Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has ordered squatters to vacate the Callao Sport Hotel within 30 days.
• A forced eviction is scheduled for December 10 if the occupants do not leave voluntarily.
• The hotel has been closed since the pandemic began and was taken over by squatters in February.
• Significant damage has been reported by the owners, complicating their legal efforts to reclaim the property.
• Margarita Domínguez described the conditions inside the hotel as devastating, with extensive looting and destruction.
• The incident has sparked renewed discussions about property rights and squatting laws in Tenerife.