If you own an apartment in Spain, it is likely that your property is governed by the Horizontal Property Law. This law regulates the coexistence and the rights and obligations of property owners within a community. In this post, we will explain the key aspects of this regulation that you should be aware of.
What is the Horizontal Property Law?
The Horizontal Property Law is a regulation that governs the relationships between property owners within a community. This law sets the rules regarding the management of common areas, the distribution of expenses, and the responsibilities of both individual owners and the community as a whole.
Key Aspects of the Law
- Formation of the Community of Owners: A community of owners is automatically formed when a building has multiple owners. This community has its own internal regulations that all owners must follow.
- Owners’ Obligations: All owners are required to contribute to common expenses, such as the maintenance of common areas, elevators, and services like cleaning or security. They must also adhere to the rules established by the community.
- Owners’ Meetings: Important decisions are made in the owners’ meetings, where each owner has the right to vote. It is crucial to attend or be represented in these meetings to participate in decisions that affect your property.
- Repairs and Maintenance: The law stipulates that owners must contribute to the costs of repairs and maintenance of common areas, even if they do not directly use them.
If you are not fluent in Spanish, it might be helpful to have a translator or representative assist you during owners’ meetings and with understanding legal documents. Additionally, it is important to stay informed about the decisions made in these meetings, as they can directly impact your property.
Understanding the Horizontal Property Law is essential for any foreigner who owns a property in Spain. Actively participating in the community of owners and complying with the regulations will help you avoid legal issues and maintain harmonious coexistence.