A RELIGIOUS brotherhood has been accused of cashing in on dozens of donated properties across Madrid – with elderly tenants facing eviction if they cannot keep up with soaring rents.
The Catholic Orden Tercera de San Francisco controls at least 47 properties in some of Madrid’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, an investigation by El Pais has found, including one residential block reportedly valued at around €7.8 million.
The flats, garages and commercial units were all allegedly donated to the association by worshippers over several decades, with tenants claiming they are now struggling to cope with relentless rent increases.
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The controversy erupted after 67-year-old pensioner Mariano Ordaz was evicted from the flat where he had lived his entire life in Madrid’s La Latina district.
Tenant groups have accused the organisation of acting more like a ruthless property company than a religious charity devoted to helping vulnerable people.
Several residents claimed buildings owned by the brotherhood had fallen into serious disrepair, with reports of leaks, damaged wiring, broken doors and termite infestations.
Some tenants allege they were encouraged to pay for repairs and renovations themselves before later facing higher rents or eviction proceedings.
Campaigners have now formed a protest group called ‘People Affected by the Priests’ to challenge what they describe as abusive treatment by the organisation.
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The brotherhood insists all evictions were carried out legally and says courts rejected claims that vulnerable tenants should remain in the properties.
The organisation also claimed some tenants had stopped paying rent for extended periods, arguing landlords cannot be expected to provide indefinite free housing.
Church authorities have attempted to distance themselves from the scandal, saying the brotherhood operates independently from the Archdiocese of Madrid.
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