Vulnerability suspension: tenants' rights in Spain
If you are a tenant in Spain and are going through an economic or social vulnerability situation, you can request the suspension of an eviction or the maintenance of basic utilities. This article explains, step by step and in clear language, who can claim, what documents to gather, the legal deadlines and how to submit the request to the autonomous community or the court. It also addresses the relationship with the landlord's conservation and repair obligations, and what to do if communication with the landlord does not resolve the problem. You will find practical tips to organize evidence, official resources and alternatives to seek free legal aid or social assistance.
What is vulnerability suspension?
Vulnerability suspension allows you to request that an eviction or utility cutoff be temporarily halted when the tenant proves a situation of special vulnerability according to the criteria of social services and the applicable regulations.[1] This measure seeks to avoid immediate loss of housing while aid or alternative solutions are processed.
When can you request it
- Significant income loss due to unemployment or reduced hours preventing payment of rent.
- Health, dependency or disability situations that reduce economic or working capacity.
- Risk of social exclusion, gender-based violence or situations causing extreme vulnerability.
What documents to gather
- Identification (DNI/NIE) and current registration (empadronamiento).
- Rental contract and payment receipts (recent months).
- Unemployment certificates, payslips, bank statements or benefit proofs.
- Medical reports, social assessments or dependency certifications where applicable.
If the landlord does not meet basic conservation or repair duties you can consult specific guidance at Conservation and repairs (who pays what). In many cases municipal social services are the first point of contact to process aid and, if there is a judicial process, the request can be filed or attached at the relevant Court of First Instance.[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can request vulnerability suspension?
- Any tenant who can demonstrate an economic or social vulnerability situation through documentation and evaluation by social services can request it.
- What deadlines must I respect?
- Act as soon as possible: upon receiving an eviction or cutoff notice, contact social services and, if applicable, file the request at the court within procedural deadlines.
- Do I need a lawyer to request suspension?
- Not always; you can request free legal aid if you meet requirements or seek support from social services to accompany the application.
How to claim
- Contact municipal social services as soon as possible to report your situation and request assessment.
- Gather necessary documentation: ID, contract, receipts, unemployment certificates and medical reports if available.
- Prepare and submit the administrative application or the court filing accompanied by documentation and a clear statement of facts.
- Respect deadlines: file applications and appeals within the timeframes indicated by social services or the court registry.
- If there is a hearing, attend with copies and, if available, free legal aid support or representation.
Key takeaways
- Act quickly after receiving an eviction or utility cutoff notice.
- Keep and organize all financial evidence and communications with the landlord.
- Seek support from social services and check eligibility for free legal aid.
Help and Support / Resources
- BOE: official regulations and texts
- Ministry of Justice: procedural information
- Poder Judicial: courts and locations
