Data from the digital newspaper El Mundo CR reveal that according to INEC studies, since 1990 the increase in the construction of condominiums and apartments in the GAM is close to 600%! It is undeniable that Costa Ricans have an abundant offer of condominiums for a wide range of potential consumers who perceive an increase in their status by opting for this lifestyle.

So, if you made the decision to live in a condominium because of its advantages, and you are sure that a tower is more convenient than a house, if the location is the most viable and the surroundings have services indispensable … it is time to know if you are in equal conditions with other owners. In addition to knowing which are the entities that assume the regulatory responsibility of the condominium.

Assembly of owners what is it and what are its functions?

The assembly is responsible for the complete decision making of a condominium, since it is the meeting of the conglomerate of owners. It is the governing body where issues of common interest are discussed, voted and decided.

That said, it is not the responsibility of the assembly to try or resolve problems between privately owned condominiums. Law 7933 inscribes that at least one annual meeting must be held to approve the budget for common expenses, not limited to agreements such as appointment of administration or administrative boards, presentation of reports, approve projects. extraordinary among, others.

As an owner, why is the assembly important?

Attending the assemblies is essential to actively participate in the agreements, or to debate against what may threaten a satisfactory life in a condominium.

Every owner has a percentage of value that gives weight to making agreements, your voice is important! Evading to attend the assemblies, only results in less participation and more difficulty to make changes and decisions, causing judicial challenges that bring down fundamental agreements for the condominium.

Condominium Regulations

The essential thing is to know that every condominium has a regulation and that its full study, assimilation and compliance predicts a fruitful relationship with other owners and with the administration . The regulation resembles the “holy book” in a religious congregation.

When a condominium is constituted, Law 7933 requires a regulation that explains the limitations that the owners will have. It is vital to know that a regulation is only modified in the Assembly of owners with 100% of the value of the total properties, which is possible with much effort.

For this reason, identifying that the interests of the company coincide with those of the regulations that will govern the condominium is proportional to the enjoyment of a healthy coexistence.

Administration and Administrative Board

Since a condominium implies sharing with other duties and rights in the space of healthy coexistence, it is essential to have an administrator with ethics and a high sense of professionalism.

The administration can be a natural or legal person appointed in the owners meeting. It is usual that in condominiums of less than ten properties be apartments or houses, a condominium assumes the role of administrator, which is allowed under the law.

Whatever the “administrator” body, whether owners, individuals or companies, its duties will be the same:

• Taking care of the common heritage (security, operation and maintenance)
• Complying with the agreements of the assembly and ensure compliance with the condominium regulations

Committees

Last but not least, there is a group of people made up of either condominiums or hired, under the term “committees” or “commissions.” These governing bodies may be established by regulation or by agreement of the owners meeting.

Some types include: the construction committee that regulates, authorizes and supervises construction processes under the magnifying glass of condominium regulation. And on the other hand, the maintenance committees that support and advise the administration in their functions.

Therefore, a condominium that has active participation of owners in said governing bodies, has advantages over those who deposit control only in the administration or board.

Taking into account that living in a condominium resembles a democratic participation system and that each owner has the right to citizenship, it is important that you require the governing bodies to fulfill their functions fully, to create the optimal climate of coexistence.

The invitation is to demand rights with the same tenacity in which conditional duties are fulfilled. Know your rights and duties and participate in your condo to enjoy an optimal environment!