An investment fund’s attempt to evict a long-term tenant from his flat on Sant Agustí street in Barcelona’s Vila de Gràcia neighbourhood has been postponed for a second time. This delay follows a request from the fund itself, aiming to find an out-of-court solution for the property intended for co-living conversion.

The tenant, Txema, a teacher at a nearby school, has resided in the building at number 14 Sant Agustí street for eleven years, paying 800 euros in rent. His case marks the first eviction process in Barcelona initiated by a company dedicated to co-living, according to the Sindicat de Llogateres (Tenants’ Union).

Hundreds of people, mobilised by the Tenants’ Union, resisted the judicial delegation. This resistance led to the suspension of the initial eviction attempt a couple of weeks ago due to safety concerns. David Bondia, the Síndic de Greuges de Barcelona (Ombudsman of Barcelona), confirmed that the investment fund submitted a request to the court on Friday to postpone the eviction for at least three months.

The Ombudsman stated that the fund’s objective is to reach an extrajudicial agreement to resolve the conflict. This building is located in Vila de Gràcia, a densely populated area known for its community spirit and historic architecture, home to approximately 50,000 residents.

The investment fund acquired the building in 2023 and subsequently declined to renew rental contracts, intending to renovate the flats and rent individual rooms for co-living. Previous tenants already vacated six flats; developers have now reformed four, and two remain empty. Only five tenants, including Txema, currently remain in the building.

Public Support and Mediation Efforts

The Generalitat President previously expressed the Catalan government’s support for the remaining residents of the building on social media. He also described the investment fund’s practices as ‘abusive’. Shortly after, the Ombudsman of Barcelona initiated a mediation process between the parties.

This latest postponement offers a window for negotiation, potentially setting a precedent for similar co-living conversion cases across Barcelona. The outcome of these mediation efforts will be closely watched by tenant rights groups and property developers alike.

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Originally published by La Vanguardia Barcelona. Read original article.