Lisbon tenants file complaint against IHRU for abuse of power

Tenants of public housing in the Bairro dos Lóios neighborhood in Lisbon have filed a formal complaint with the Ombudsman (Provedoria de Justiça) against the Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU). The complaint alleges “manifest abuse of power and injury to the fundamental rights of vulnerable populations.”

The Tenants' Commission of IGAPHE claims there is a “pattern of serious procedural illegality” by the IHRU's Southern Leased Property Management Directorate (DGPAS). Specific allegations include systemic abusive actions, failure to maintain public property, intentional non-compliance with safety inspections, and the use of alleged debt lists as a tool for “psychological coercion and intimidation” against residents.

The situation directly affects approximately 90 families in the Marvila parish. Due to fears of retaliation, the commission has requested that Ombudsman Luísa Neto conduct the investigation on a strictly collective and institutional basis to protect the anonymity of the residents.