The rise of eviction lawyers in Marbella and the phenomenon of 'inquilokupas'

In recent years, Marbella has seen significant growth in eviction cases linked to so-called 'inquiokupas': tenants who obtain a property legally, via a rental contract, but subsequently stop paying rent with the intention of remaining in the property as long as possible.

According to data published in the newspaper SOUTH (28 April 2025), this trend has led to an expansion of law firms specialising in evictions on the Costa del Sol.

The profile of the "inquilino okupa" (squatter tenant)

Although there is no legal definition of this term, the press and professionals use it to describe those who, by taking advantage of judicial deadlines and the protection offered by rental regulations, manage to prolong their stay in a property without paying rent.

The phenomenon is particularly visible in cities like Marbella, where the pressure of the tourist and property market drives up prices and means that defaults result in notable losses for owners.

Consequences in the property market

The presence of squatters creates a twofold problem. On the one hand, landlords must endure lengthy legal proceedings to regain possession of their properties. On the other hand, it increases the sense of legal uncertainty, which may discourage residential letting and reduce the available supply.

The legal response

In light of this situation, many law firms have begun to focus their practice on eviction proceedings. As reported in the SUR article, “it is a very common phenomenon in areas with great tourist and real estate appeal, where high prices encourage some tenants to remain without making payments”, explains specialist lawyer Antonio Fernández Álvarez, who was interviewed by the aforementioned media.

The growing demand for these types of services reflects a transformation in the practice of law on the Costa del Sol, where specialisation is becoming a necessity to effectively confront the new legal challenges posed by the rental market.