Landlord sued by Paralysed Man After Pool Accident

A man who became paralysed from the neck down after using a pool he was illegally squatting in is reportedly suing the pool’s owner in France, claiming negligence.

The incident occurred in a communal apartment complex in Toulouse, where Crédit Agricole Immobilier, the company managing the property, owns the pool.

The squatter, who was aged just 18 at the time of the incident sustained life-altering injuries that left him tetraplegic, is now seeking damages, alleging that the accident was due to the owner’s failure to maintain the pool properly.

According to Alexandra, one of the co-owners in the apartment block who spoke to *Le Figaro*, the man’s legal case could hinge on Article 1244 of the French Civil Code. This article, recently upheld by the Conseil Constitutionnel, stipulates that a property owner is liable for damage caused by poor maintenance or construction defects. This liability extends to all users of the property, including those using it without permission, such as squatters.

Property lawyer Romain Rossi-Landi told *Le Figaro that cases like this are judged individually. To avoid liability, the property owner would need to demonstrate that the pool was well-maintained prior to the squatting incident, or that the squatter’s actions prevented proper upkeep. This could involve providing evidence such as photos or maintenance records.

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What is Pool Squatting?

Pool squatting is a phenomenon that occurs during the summer months when high temperatures drive some individuals to illegally access and use private pools. While some instances are brief, others involve squatters hosting disruptive pool parties that disturb neighbours.

In Toulouse alone, there have been nearly 140 complaints of illegal pool squatting since the beginning of the summer, according to TF1. Squatters risk facing severe consequences, including potential imprisonment and fines of up to €45,000 for trespassing on private property.

Rising Cost of Living in Europe: Where Are People Paying the Most for Essentials?

The rising cost of living is a top concern for over 90% of Europeans, with official statistics shedding light on the factors fuelling this growing anxiety.

In 2022, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels made up the largest portion of household spending in the EU, accounting for 24.1% of total consumption, according to Eurostat data.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages followed at 13.6%, with transport costs making up 12.5%.

While these categories have consistently ranked at the top over the last 20 years, their relative importance has shifted.

From 2002 to 2022, housing costs saw the most significant increase, rising from 21.1% to 24.1% of household budgets—a 3 percentage point (pp) jump.

To put this in perspective, if a household's total spending was €1,000 in 2002, €211 would have gone to housing. By 2022, this figure would have risen to €241.

This increase highlights the growing financial strain of essential living costs on European households, likely driven by rising housing prices and energy expenses over the past two decades.

In terms of percentage growth, health expenditures saw a 22% increase, compared to a 14% rise in housing costs.

However, since housing expenses represent a much larger share of household budgets, the overall impact of rising housing costs is far more substantial.

Starting just above 20% in the early 2000s, the share of household spending on housing and utilities steadily increased, peaking at nearly 25% in 2013.

This period marked the most significant growth, reflecting the escalating costs associated with housing and utilities.

After a slight decline, the share surged again during the COVID-19 pandemic, hitting a record high of 25.6% in 2020. This overall rise in housing and utility costs over the past two decades indicates that these expenses have become an increasingly significant part of household budgets, mirroring broader economic pressures and shifts in living costs across the EU.

Ireland Leads in Housing Cost Increases

In some countries, the increase in housing costs has been even more pronounced, exceeding 5%.

Between 2002 and 2022, Ireland experienced the largest rise, with a staggering 7.1% increase, followed by Spain at 6.3% and Italy at 5.4%.

Which European Countries Spend the Most on Housing?

The share of household spending on housing varies significantly across Europe. In 2022, Slovakia topped the list, with more than 30% of household expenditure dedicated to housing. Finland and Denmark followed closely, with shares of 29.6% and 29.1%, respectively.

 These figures suggest that Northern and Central European countries face considerable financial pressure related to housing and utilities, likely due to higher energy costs or more expensive housing markets.

Conversely, Southern and Eastern European countries like Montenegro, Turkey, and Albania have much lower housing cost shares.

In 2022, Montenegro allocated just 11.6% of household spending to housing, while Turkey and Albania spent 12.4% and 12.5%, respectively.

Lower-Income Households Hit Hardest by Housing Costs

A recent OECD report on affordable housing emphasises that housing costs can impose a significant financial burden on households, especially those with lower incomes.

49% Private tenants spend over 40% of income on rent

In 2022, nearly half of the low-income private tenants in the UK (49%) spent more than 40% of their income on rent, followed by 32% in France and 28% in Italy.

These figures underscore the severe impact of rising housing costs on Europe's most economically vulnerable populations.

Southport Riot Convictions: Sentencing and Implications for convicted Tenants

In a significant development, 4 men involved in the recent riots in Southport have been sentenced in court, highlighting the severe repercussions of participating in such violent disturbances. These individuals, whose identities are now public, face not only legal consequences but also potential eviction from their homes under specific housing regulations.

The Southport riots, which erupted following the stabbing of 3 young children, led to widespread chaos and damage. Sir Kier Starmer vowed to bring those who committed this atrocity to justice and he has done just take. The court has handed down sentences to 4 men found guilty of participating in these events. The convictions underscore the seriousness with which the judicial system treats riot-related offences, sending a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

Justice minister Heidi Alexander said courts would sit through the night to ensure justice is quickly dispensed.

Riots and the Path to Eviction

For those convicted of indictable offences during a riot, there are additional repercussions beyond their legal sentences.  Tenant convicted of an indictable offence that took place during and at the scene of a riot can face eviction with just two weeks' notice. This provision empowers landlords to take swift action to remove tenants who have engaged in criminal activities that jeopardise the safety and stability of the community.

The recent convictions put the convicted individuals at risk of losing their homes with as little as 2 weeks notice. Landlords are advised to be vigilant in monitoring their properties and the behaviour of their tenants.

By doing so, they can ensure that those involved in criminal activities, particularly riots, are identified and dealt with appropriately.

Eviction under Section 8 Ground 14za serves as a deterrent and a measure to protect other residents and maintain order.

Landlords must remain proactive in managing their properties and the conduct of their tenants. In light of the Southport riot convictions, it is crucial for landlords to:

1. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of local news and court rulings to identify tenants who may be involved in criminal activities.

2. Communicate with Authorities: Maintain open lines of communication with local law enforcement and judicial bodies to receive updates on ongoing investigations and convictions.

3. Implement Due Diligence: Regularly review tenant conduct and take immediate action if there is evidence of involvement in criminal behaviour, especially riot-related activities.

4. Follow Legal Procedures: Ensure that any eviction processes comply with the legal requirements under Section 8 Ground 14za, providing the necessary notices and documentation to support the action.

The recent court sentences for the Southport riots serve as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of participating in such events. For tenants, a conviction can lead not only to legal penalties but also to the loss of their homes under specific eviction grounds.