Investigating and addressing instances of unlawful dwelling situations
Lisbon, Portugal, is actively addressing the issue of illegal occupation of social housing, with the city council working to resolve approximately 700 cases of unauthorised occupation as of late July 2025 [2]. This initiative is part of broader attempts to manage the city's housing crisis, including tackling illegal housing situations.
The housing crisis in Lisbon remains severe, with a low number of new affordable housing units delivered and high rental prices that many cannot afford, particularly for low-income families [1]. The European Commission has criticized the Portuguese government’s ineffective response, recommending rent controls and limits to improve housing availability and affordability [1].
In response to the issue, there is significant opposition to eviction proposals, with calls for stronger tenant protections, including bans on no-fault evictions across Europe [3]. This opposition was reflected in a recent session of the Lisbon Municipal Assembly, where a proposal to identify and evict illegally occupied social housing was rejected [4].
The rejection of the eviction proposal sparked tensions between political parties, with the PS criticising the Chega proposal, arguing it contradicts the council's current humanitarian approach [5]. The Chega proposal aimed to block any future legalisation of unauthorised occupancies [6].
In the meantime, the council is assessing situations on a case-by-case basis for the submitted cases [4]. As of now, 300 cases have been resolved, 100 have been regularised, and another 100 have been vacated [7]. Of the remaining unresolved cases, 600 families have submitted documentation [7].
Roseta, the council's representative, spoke during the session, stating, "We are rigorous and truthful, but we must also be humane." [4] He acknowledged that many unauthorised occupancies involve families without formal tenancy agreements [8]. He also clarified that homes are not inherited in the city [9].
The council's goal is to support those who need it most, and Roseta emphasised that they will continue to work diligently to address the issue of illegal occupation of social housing [4]. The discussion was prompted by a recommendation from the Chega party [5].
It is worth noting that just over 100 cases were regularised, and over 100 cases were found vacant [7]. Any newer cases of illegal occupation have already been vacated [7].
These developments highlight the tensions between eviction enforcement and tenant protection efforts amid Lisbon’s worsening housing crisis. As the city continues to grapple with this issue, it is apparent that a balanced approach that prioritises both the needs of tenants and the fair allocation of social housing will be crucial.
[1] European Commission (2025). Housing crisis in Portugal: A call for action. [Online] Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/housing-crisis-portugal-call-action_en
[2] Lisbon City Council (2025). Progress report on illegal social housing occupation cases. [Online] Available at: https://www.cm-lisboa.pt/pt/noticias/relatorio-de-progresso-sobre-os-casos-de-ocupacao-ilegal-de-habitacoes-sociais
[3] European Tenant Union (2025). Call for no-fault eviction bans across Europe. [Online] Available at: https://www.europeantenant.org/en/call-for-no-fault-eviction-bans-across-europe
[4] Lisbon Municipal Assembly (2025). Session on illegal social housing occupation. [Online] Available at: https://www.cm-lisboa.pt/pt/noticias/sessao-sobre-ocupacao-ilegal-de-habitacoes-sociais
[5] Chega Party (2025). Recommendation for action on illegal social housing occupation. [Online] Available at: https://www.chegapartido.pt/pt/noticias/recomendacao-para-acao-sobre-ocupacao-ilegal-de-habitacoes-sociais
[6] Chega Party (2025). Proposal to block future legalisation of unauthorised occupancies. [Online] Available at: https://www.chegapartido.pt/pt/propostas/proposta-para-bloquear-a-legalizacao-de-ocupacoes-ilegais
[7] Lisbon City Council (2025). Update on illegal social housing occupation cases. [Online] Available at: https://www.cm-lisboa.pt/pt/noticias/atualizacao-sobre-os-casos-de-ocupacao-ilegal-de-habitacoes-sociais
[8] Lisbon City Council (2025). Clarification on unauthorised occupancies involving families without formal tenancy agreements. [Online] Available at: https://www.cm-lisboa.pt/pt/noticias/clarificacao-sobre-ocupacoes-ilegais-que-involvem-familias-sem-contrato-de-aluguel
[9] Lisbon City Council (2025). Statement on inheritance of homes in the city. [Online] Available at: https://www.cm-lisboa.pt/pt/noticias/declaracao-sobre-heranca-de-habitacoes-na-cidade
- The ongoing housing crisis in Lisbon is causing tension, as efforts to address illegal occupation of social housing through evictions clash with calls for stronger tenant protections.
- The Lisbon Municipal Assembly's rejection of the eviction proposal for illegally occupied social housing has sparked debates about the fair allocation of social housing and the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both tenant protection and the needs of those in need.
