Noise, rings, deposit gone: Colònia de Sant Jordi and the problem with dubious landlords

On the plaza you can hear the sea, but not the quiet

Last week, shortly before sunset, I sat on the small plaza next to the harbor of winter renovation works in Port d'Alcúdia and Colònia de Sant Jordi. The air smelled of salt, fishermen were still tying nets, and cicadas buzzed over the roofs. Two seasonal workers stopped at the fountain, both stressed, both with almost identical stories: rented a room for around €500 a month — and ended up with trouble instead.

The accusations: parties, theft, missing deposit

The former tenants describe a pattern: the landlord repeatedly threw loud parties, drank excessively, and made a racket at night. Recurrent noise disturbances were the order of the day. Several women report that personal items were missing — including two rings. The deposit of around €500 was also never returned. There have been few official complaints so far. Reasons: fear of retaliation, hopelessness, or the belief that the authorities will not act quickly enough.

Why this hurts especially in Colònia

Colònia de Sant Jordi is not an anonymous residential area. Narrow streets, few available rental apartments — rental offers are scarce and expensive in Port de Sóller — and a strongly seasonal labor market make people vulnerable. Many of those affected work in hotels, restaurants or on the beach — during high season their accommodation is often the only thing they have. When landlords prefer to rent to weekend guests or tourists rather than long-term to employees, prices and insecurity rise, and where demand is high, some apparently take advantage of the situation, as with squatters in Santa Margalida living in half-finished housing blocks.

What is often missing from the public debate

Quick fixes are often suggested: more controls on the beach, tougher penalties for noise. But people rarely talk about how difficult it is for seasonal workers to file a proper complaint. Formal reports take time, require witnesses and often legal support. Many grow up thinking: "We won't do that, we need the job." This power imbalance remains invisible until a deposit goes missing or a favorite ring disappears.

Concrete steps — immediate measures and long-term solutions

In the short term, affected people can do a lot: document times, take photos of damage, name witnesses, keep payment receipts for deposits. A written reminder sent by registered mail and, if possible, a written rental agreement — that helps in court. The police (Policía Local or Guardia Civil) should be informed in cases of theft or repeated noise disturbance.

In the long term, Mallorca needs better protected structures for the people who work here: a local register for longer-term rentals, mandatory safekeeping of deposit funds by a neutral body, or compulsory landlord insurance that covers damages or unpaid deposits. Employers in hospitality could more often act as intermediaries and organise secure housing for their seasonal staff. More public, affordable housing would also be key — and should be a clear focus of municipal policy; incidents such as when Manacor cleared a makeshift settlement of rented units show the risks of insufficient regulation.

Who has to act now?

Responsibility lies with several parties: the town hall, which is responsible for peaceful coexistence and housing; the police, which must intervene in crimes or noise complaints; but also landlord associations, which should set clear standards. And not least the neighbourhood: in a small town you are noticed more quickly, and witness statements can be decisive here.

A call to those affected and to neighbours

If something happens to you: note the date and time, check payment receipts, talk to other tenants. Exchange information, meet — a neighbourhood log helps more than you might think. Those who feel uncertain should seek legal advice; many municipalities offer support for seasonal workers.

I will follow up and ask whether complaints have been filed or whether investigations are underway. In a place like Colònia de Sant Jordi, where you can hear the sea at dinner, protecting the people who work and live there must not be drowned out by the parties in some apartments.

Keywords: Colònia de Sant Jordi, housing shortage, landlords, theft, noise disturbance