The Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev) has called for urgent reform of apartment management laws, highlighting the pressing need for legislative action that impacts thousands of apartment dwellers across the island.
Apartment management: Legislation Pending in Parliament
The draft law, prepared by the commissioner for legislation, is currently awaiting discussion by the House Interior committee. This proposed legislation aims to regulate the management of co-owned buildings, a significant step forward for the approximately 70,000 co-owned buildings and over 200,000 individual units in Cyprus.
Framework for Improved Management
Oev has emphasised that a structured legal framework is crucial to ensure smoother administration at both legal and practical levels. The federation noted that the absence of clear regulations has often led to mismanagement and disputes among co-owners.
Support from Building Managers
The Cyprus association of co-owned building managers, affiliated with Oev, has expressed its endorsement of the draft law, describing it as a positive starting point. In a memorandum submitted to parliament, the association has proposed several enhancements to the bill, aiming for more efficient management of communal living spaces.
Proposed Enhancements to the Bill
- Clearer Provisions for Ownership Shares: The association has called for transparency in how each owner’s share is calculated, which is vital for fair distribution of costs and responsibilities.
- Fines for Non-Payment: Recommendations have been made to impose fines on owners who consistently fail to pay their common expenses, incentivising timely payments.
- Creation of Funds: The proposal includes establishing a capital expenditure fund, where each owner would contribute at least 15% of the annual budget, along with a reserve fund designed to cover six months of common expenses.
- Definition of Occupancy: It is suggested that a building should be classified as occupied once electricity is connected to the shared meter, making owners liable for expenses even if their units are vacant.
- Inclusion of Professional Managers: Allowing professional managers to sit on building committees is another recommendation aimed at enhancing management efficiency.
Digitisation and Modernisation
Oev has also stressed the importance of incorporating digitisation into the reform process. The federation believes that the government body responsible for enforcing the law should implement electronic processing for registrations. This step is expected to streamline procedures and empower management committees more effectively.
Quality of Life Improvements
The federation asserts that proper regulation of apartment management will significantly enhance the quality of life for residents. By addressing safety concerns and preventing neglect-related hazards, such as balcony collapses in ageing buildings, the new laws could lead to safer living environments for all. Stricter regulations around non-payment of utilities and expedited recovery of arrears are also anticipated in the proposed legal framework.
A Comprehensive and Robust Law
As discussions progress in parliament, Oev has underscored the necessity for a comprehensive and robust law that avoids loopholes. The federation emphasised the importance of determining which authority—be it the land registry, EOA, or another public body—will ultimately bear responsibility for enforcing the regulations.
Call to Action
In light of the significant implications for thousands of residents, Oev’s urgent appeal to lawmakers is clear: expedite the legislative process to ensure that the new apartment management laws are enacted without further delay. The federation believes that timely reform is essential to address existing challenges and to lay the groundwork for a well-regulated framework that benefits all apartment dwellers in Cyprus.
