3 Extra Tips to Prevent Okupas: Keep Your Home in Mallorca Safe

Worried about okupas (illegal squatters) taking over your property in Mallorca? Beyond the usual precautions, here are three additional strategies to help keep your home secure.

1. Make Your Property Look Occupied

Properties that look vacant are prime targets for okupas. Here’s how to make it seem like someone is always home:

• Light Timers: Install timers on lights to turn them on and off at different times to mimic daily activity.
• Mail Collection: Ask a neighbor or hire a service to collect your mail regularly so it doesn’t pile up.
• Regular Visits: If possible, have someone visit the property periodically, open and close shutters, and even park a car outside.

These small actions can make a big difference in deterring potential okupas.

2. Strengthen Security Measures

Reinforcing your property’s security makes it much harder for okupas to break in:

• Reinforced Doors and Anti-Okupa Locks: Install a high-security door and locks that are specifically designed to resist forced entry.
• Security Cameras & Alarms: A visible security system (even fake cameras) can deter okupas before they even try.
• Window Protection: If your property has vulnerable ground-floor windows, installing bars or security film can prevent break-ins.

A well-secured home is less attractive to squatters looking for an easy target.

3. Use a Simulated Rental Contract

A legal tenant complicates the okupas' ability to claim rights to your property. You can protect yourself by having:

• A Rental Contract: Create an official lease agreement with a trusted person, listing them as a tenant.
• Bank Transfers for Rent Payments: Even if it’s symbolic (€1/month), having a record of rental payments reinforces legal proof of occupation.

Important: This should be done properly and in consultation with a legal expert to avoid any unintended legal issues.

Final Advice: Act Fast

If okupas do get into your property, time is against you. The longer they stay, the harder it is to remove them.

Want to know the best ways to get okupas out once they’re inside? Read our complete guide here:
➡️ What to Do If You Have Okupas in Your Property: A Complete Guide

Being proactive is the best defense—protect your property before it becomes a problem.