Eviction: Where are tenants most and least protected across Europe?

The eviction of a disabled 87-year-old woman in Madrid from a flat she lived in for 70 years has sparked outrage and comparisons of renter rights across the continent.

The Spanish pensioner's ordeal put Europe's housing crisis back in the spotlight. So what happens when landlords want their property back?

The reality is that owners can still terminate the contract with the tenant ahead of schedule if they want, but with a few caveats and important differences depending on where you live in Europe.

In general, if tenants are paying regularly, landlords need an important and legally recognised reason, such as if they are selling the property; they need it for themselves or close relatives; or, in some cases, if the house needs major renovation.

No force majeure is needed if the tenant isn't paying regularly; however, there may be legal exceptions and challenges in some cases if the tenant is vulnerable.

Spain has one of the shortest notice periods — only two months — according to the Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos. However, the terms apply only after the first year of tenancy.

The landlord must be a physical person, not a company. Of course, non-payment is grounds for eviction through a legal procedure called desahucio por falta de pago .

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