Granadilla de Abona Family Faces Eviction and Hefty Fines for Unauthorized Mobile Home

A family in Granadilla de Abona, situated in the southern region of Tenerife, is grappling with the looming threat of eviction and significant financial penalties due to the unauthorized installation of a mobile home on a disputed plot of land.

Understanding the Family’s Situation

The family, which includes Ángeles Dorta, 38, her partner José Luis García, 53, and their 19-year-old daughter, who has a 70% disability, made the decision to purchase a mobile home for €15,000. They believed they had the right to place it on a plot where they had been living temporarily, under the impression that it was a viable option for their living situation.

However, the reality is more complicated. The land in question is classified as “Sectorised, Undeveloped Urban Land (SUSNO-R),” which explicitly prohibits residential use due to the lack of essential infrastructure, including streets and sewage systems. The couple had received verbal permission from a local resident named Ramón, who claimed to be responsible for the property. Unfortunately, this permission was invalid, as Ramón is not the legitimate owner of the land.

Legal Ramifications and Financial Consequences

The situation escalated when a neighbor lodged a complaint, prompting the local council to initiate an investigation into the matter. Following this, the Granadilla de Abona council opened a sanctions file, indicating that the mobile home was installed without the necessary authorization, thereby violating local regulations.

As a result, the family now faces multiple penalties under the Canary Islands Land Law. The council has mandated that all use of the mobile home must cease immediately, requiring it to be sealed off. Ignoring this order could lead to fines that range from €150,000 to €600,000. Furthermore, the unauthorized installation is classified as a serious infraction, which carries additional fines between €6,001 and €150,000.

The family has been given a strict 20-day period to remove the mobile home or risk incurring monthly fines that could range from €600 to €3,000. In addition to these fines, they face the possibility of forced removal of the mobile home at their own expense. The total potential penalties could reach an alarming €780,000, with a minimum liability exceeding €160,000, placing immense financial strain on the family.

Seeking Justice and Community Support

In response to their dire circumstances, the family has formally appealed the council’s decision, seeking a suspension of the order. They argue that the removal of the mobile home would inflict significant and irreparable harm, particularly affecting their daughter’s health and overall stability. The emotional and psychological toll of such a drastic change in their living situation cannot be overstated.

Ramón, the resident who initially granted permission for the mobile home, has come forward to defend the family, asserting that no one should be left homeless, especially given their vulnerable circumstances. His support highlights the community’s concern for the family’s well-being.

Additionally, local social-rights group ARCAN has stepped in to provide assistance to the family as they navigate this challenging legal landscape. Their involvement underscores the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis, as they work to advocate for the family’s rights and seek a resolution that would allow them to remain in their home.

This situation is particularly poignant for the family, as it is not the first time they have faced housing instability. They were previously evicted from a rented home in 2025 due to a court ruling concerning unpaid rent. With their next eviction scheduled for February 4, they have once again requested a postponement, citing their precarious circumstances and the urgent need for stability in their lives.

Key points

• A family in Granadilla de Abona faces eviction and fines up to €780,000 for placing a mobile home without permission.
• The mobile home was installed on land classified as undevelopable urban land.
• They received verbal permission from a resident who is not the actual landowner.
• The local council has opened a sanctions file against the family for unauthorized installation.
• The family has appealed the council’s decision, citing their vulnerable situation.
• Local social-rights group ARCAN is supporting the family in their appeal.
• This marks the second eviction the family has faced in less than a year.