The condominium in Spain

What is a Condominium?

A condominium is a legal regime that regulates the ownership of a building or residential complex divided into several private units (apartments, commercial premises, etc.) and common areas (staircases, patios, gardens, pools, etc.). Each owner has the right to exclusive ownership and use of their private unit and shared use of the common areas as outlined in the statutes.

Condominiums are regulated by the Horizontal Property Law and, in Catalonia, by Book V of the Civil Code of Catalonia, which establishes the rules and procedures for the administration, conservation, and maintenance of the property and common areas.

What Are Your Obligations and Rights as an Owner or Administrator?

As an owner or administrator of a condominium, you have a series of obligations and rights that you should be aware of:

Obligations: Your main obligations as an owner include paying the common expenses fees, maintaining and conserving your private unit, and respecting the rules of coexistence and use of common areas established in the statutes and regulations of the condominium.

Rights: As an owner, you have the right to participate in the meetings of the owners' association, vote on the decisions made, and request information about the administration and management of the condominium.

How Can a Lawyer Specialized in Condominiums Help You?

A lawyer specialized in condominiums can offer a wide range of services to protect your rights and resolve conflicts that may arise in the coexistence of the property:

• Legal Advice: A specialized lawyer can advise you on everything related to condominiums, from drafting statutes and regulations to interpreting the rules and resolving conflicts.
• Legal Representation: If a conflict arises in the property (e.g., non-payment of common expenses, unauthorized works in the private unit, non-compliance with coexistence rules, etc.), a specialized lawyer can represent you in the necessary legal proceedings to resolve it.
• Mediation: A lawyer specialized in condominiums can act as a mediator between the owners in case of conflicts and help them reach agreements that satisfy both parties.
• Debt Collection: In case of non-payment of common expenses fees or debts arising from unauthorized works, a specialized lawyer can help you collect those debts and prevent further non-payments.

Conclusion

In summary, a condominium is a complex legal regime that regulates the coexistence and shared use of common areas in a building or residential complex. As an owner of a condominium, you should be aware of your rights and obligations and stay informed about the laws governing this legal figure.

Additionally, it is advisable to have the support of a lawyer specialized in condominiums to advise you on all aspects related to the management and administration of the property, as well as to resolve conflicts that may arise among the owners.

If you need legal advice regarding condominiums, do not hesitate to contact a specialized lawyer to provide you with the best legal assistance and help you protect your rights as an owner or tenant.