First Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet reported that, following a citizen complaint, the Directorate of Inspection Services (DSI) has detected fraudulent use of dwellings as tourist apartments and unauthorized construction work. Consequently, 34 proceedings have been initiated, seven of which could incur fines of up to €600,000 for very serious infringements.

The building in question, with a ground floor and nine upper floors, houses a hotel establishment and 24 dwellings. Of the 19 apartments with tourist licenses, it was confirmed that at least thirteen, managed by members of the same owning family, had been illegally subdivided. Inspectors found that spaces of 60 square meters with licenses had been divided into two units of less than 30 square meters.

In another licensed apartment, despite no subdivision, more people were accommodated than permitted. Furthermore, four unlicensed apartments were also hosting tourists. Only one dwelling in the building retains its status as a primary residence.

Laia Bonet highlighted that this case reveals illegalities in both unlicensed apartments and those that do possess licenses. Since 2018, the council has revoked 202 tourist use licenses for non-compliance.

The City Council has initiated seven sanctioning proceedings for very serious infringements, with fines potentially totaling €4.2 million. Additionally, 14 proceedings for restitution and cessation of activity for unlicensed apartments have been opened, along with one for "overcrowding" carrying fines of up to €60,000.

Furthermore, 13 proceedings have been launched for the legalization of irregular works, requiring owners to restore the apartments to their original state, with potential urban planning or housing sanctions if substandard units are created.