[REVISION HISTORY]

Spin Time Labs eviction and housing crisis in Rome

Updated 15 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-20 10:37 UTC → 2026-08-26 11:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A fire in the technical room of the nine-storey Spin Time Labs building on via Santa Croce in Gerusalemme on the night of 29-30 July 2026 prompted the Vigili del Fuoco to declare the structure dangerous, leading a court-ordered seizure. The building had housed roughly 400 residents from 27 nationalities for more than a decade. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri signed an ordinance granting emergency ~~accommodation for up to 60 days in secular or religious facilities.~~ accommodation. While the municipality has relocated 260 people, negotiations for a temporary occupancy agreement have stalled after the owner, Investire SGR, refused the city's proposal. The city now intends to pursue the acquisition of the property through the Revenue Agency, with plans to potentially convert upper floors into social housing and lower levels into cultural spaces. Legal complications persist, including a court-ordered compensation of approximately €207,000 per month to the owners, totaling over €21 million owed to date. Meanwhile, around 300 people, including approximately 100 children, have been forced to camp on the pavement near Termini station during a severe heatwave. A fundraising campaign, ‘Help Spin Time Stay’, has raised over €80,000 to provide essential supplies. On August 4, the LAV Emergency Unit completed a rescue operation to recover animals trapped in the ~~building, including cats, a turtle, and a fish.~~ building. In response to the eviction, activists have announced a national march in Rome for September 19, targeting the offices of Investire SGR to protest urban policies they claim favor real estate funds and luxury residences over housing rights. By late August, all 127 families have been provided with temporary housing. To manage the displacement, the Polo Civico Esquilino launched ‘Casa Esquilino’, a community initiative involving 56 associations. Supported by Roma Capitale, the project uses a system of shared hospitality and a municipal solidarity fund to help families remain near schools and essential services while long-term uncertainty regarding the building remains.

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