Some social questions and social measures against Coronavirus
Right to housing: Mortgage moratorium for those who have reduced their income or are unemployed due to the COVID-19
- When will it be possible to apply for a mortgage moratorium?
- What are the assumptions of vulnerability?
- Will I have to pay interest for the duration of the moratorium?
- When the moratorium ends, how will the delayed mortgage payments be paid? Will each entity be able to pay them?
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] When will it be possible to apply for a moratorium on mortgages?
From the moment the debtor becomes financially vulnerable until 15 days after the enforcement of the Royal Decree Law, which is one month, extendable depending on the circumstances. To start the process you must submit an application to the financial institution that has granted the loan, accompanying it with the documents that prove your situation of vulnerability.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] What are the assumptions of vulnerability?
- That the mortgagor becomes unemployed or, if he is a business person or professional, suffers a substantial loss of income or a substantial drop in sales.
- That the total income of the members of the family unit does not exceed, in general, the limit of three times the IPREM (Public Indicator of Income with Multiple Effects), with increases for dependent children or relatives with disabilities or in a situation of dependence.
- That the mortgage payment plus basic expenses and supplies is greater than 35 % of the net income received by all the members of the family unit.
- That, as a result of the health emergency, the family unit has suffered a significant alteration in its economic circumstances.
A significant change in economic circumstances is deemed to have occurred when the weight represented by the mortgage burden on household income has been multiplied by at least 1.3. And that a substantial fall in sales has taken place when this fall is at least 40%
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] Will I have to pay interest for the duration of the moratorium?
No, the lending institution cannot charge interest on the moratorium. The moratorium entails the suspension of the mortgage debt. You will not pay the expected instalment, neither for the capital nor for the interest.
The royal decree states that the Commission is to “neither fully nor as a percentage”. While the moratorium lasts, neither the early termination clause in the contract nor the interest on arrears will be applied.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] When the moratorium expires, how will the overdue mortgage payments be paid? Will it be up to each entity the form of payment for them?
The payment of the instalments is postponed to the future, in such a way that the mortgage will be extended in time for the same period that the moratorium has been effective. However, the debtor and the bank may reach a different agreement.
No one without electricity and water
One month without cuts in electricity, natural gas and water services for the most vulnerable families
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] I’ve lost my job or I’m getting less income because of the COVID-19 crisis. Can I have my water, electricity or gas turned off if I don’t pay the bill?
During the state of alarm, no company will be able to cut off your supplies. Last Tuesday the government approved a package of economic and labor measures to address the emergency situation caused by the coronavirus. One of these measures guarantees access to basic supplies (water, electricity and gas) to all households in our country.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] Will the water, electricity and gas companies forgive me for not paying the bills during the state of alarm?
What is proposed to the citizens is a series of moratoria. In other words, extensions to the deadline for payment of a debt. In other words, various companies that provide water, electricity or gas are going to make the methods of payment for their supply more flexible. The ways in which each company is going to use them can vary: they can be divided into instalments without interest, they can be deferred until the period of the state of alarm has passed, or other ways.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] If I wasn’t considered a vulnerable consumer until now, but I have been affected by COVID19 in my work or financial life, do I have the right not to have any of these supplies cut off?
There will be no cut in supplies in any case during this situation. When the state of alarm and health emergency ends, social bonds will be maintained for vulnerable consumers and may be applied for in the corresponding Social Services of the Town Halls, by those people who, eventually, may have fallen into such a situation and were not in it previously.
Ensuring electronic communications
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] Will there be a moratorium on this service?
There is no moratorium as such, but electronic communications services are guaranteed as long as the state of alert is in force, so they cannot be interrupted during this period due to non-payment.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] Are these communications guaranteed for all citizens or, like electricity, water and gas supplies, does it apply only to vulnerable families or individuals?
While the state of alert is in force, tele-communication operators must maintain the electronic communications services contracted by all their customers and may not suspend or interrupt them even if this possibility is stated in the contract for the services subscribed to.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] If I have just moved and had started the process of installing internet and telephony in my new home, with the COVID19 crisis the procedure started continues or is paralyzed until further notice?
During the state of alarm, landline and mobile numbering portability operations are suspended, not new electronic communications service contracts; for clarification, the service provider should be consulted.
How about If I am abroad?
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] If I’m overseas and I have symptoms associated with COVID-19, what should I do?
First of all, inform your host institution, which must inform you of the recommendations and/or obligations issued by the health authorities of the country in which you are staying. It is advisable for young people to stay at home and go to hospital only when their symptoms have worsened. Remember that with the European Health Insurance Card you have the right to be treated under the same conditions as a national.
Animal rights
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] Walking dogs. Can the dogs be taken out?
You are allowed to leave the house in order to walk the dogs. To do this safely, it is advisable to follow the following measures:
- Take short walks, the time needed to cover the physiological needs of the animal.
- Avoid contact with other animals and/or people.
- Carry a water bottle with detergent to clean the urine and bags for the feces.
- Prioritize schedules with less affluence.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] ANIMAL FEED. Can you feed the cat colonies?
You should go alone, prioritize less crowded times and try to space out the maximum number of days possible. To facilitate the work of security forces is important that NGOs and protectors provide their volunteers a certificate that reflects the authorization and need for cooperation of each person.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”checkmark” wrap=”i”] Can animals be fed and cared for on farms and in animal protection centres?
To facilitate the work of the security forces, it is important that NGOs and animal protection organizations provide their volunteers with a certificate that reflects the authorization and need for collaboration from each person. For private farms, it is preferable that neighbors of the farms are in charge of this feeding, to avoid displacements. If these trips are necessary, it must be guaranteed that they are as spaced as possible and at times that do not coincide with other people.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”bookmark” wrap=”i”] WHEN FACED WITH A DANGEROUS SITUATION, REMEMBER:
In a situation of emergency, you must call the toll-free number of immediate assistance 112 so that immediately the Forces and Bodies of Corresponding security may help you.
