Frequently Asked Questions

In accordance with the law of 16 May 1975 on the statute of co-ownership of built properties, the appointment of a property manager is mandatory as soon as a building has at least two distinct co-owners. The manager is appointed by the general assembly of co-owners and ensures the day-to-day management of the building, execution of assembly decisions and representation of the co-owners' association.

Changing the property manager is done at a general assembly. Any co-owner can request that this item be placed on the agenda. The new manager is elected by a majority of votes of co-owners present or represented. The outgoing manager's mandate ends on the date set by the assembly. See our complete guide for procedural details.

Property manager fees vary depending on the size of the co-ownership, the number of units and the services requested. Fees are generally calculated per unit per month. Basic services include administrative management, accounting, organization of general assemblies and technical monitoring. Contact us for a personalized quote tailored to your co-ownership.

The general assembly (GA) is the decision-making body of the co-ownership. It brings together all co-owners at least once a year (ordinary GA) to approve accounts, vote on the budget, decide on works and elect the property manager. Extraordinary GAs can be called for urgent decisions. Each co-owner has a number of votes proportional to their share of ownership.

The works fund is a financial provision built up by co-owners to finance maintenance and renovation work on the building. It allows for anticipating major expenses (roof, facade, elevator, common installations) without exceptional calls for funds. The contribution to the fund is voted at the general assembly and distributed according to each co-owner's shares.

Co-owners have the right to participate in general assemblies, to vote, to consult accounting documents and to freely enjoy their private areas. They have the obligation to pay their co-ownership charges, to respect the co-ownership rules, not to damage common areas and to contribute to the works fund. The law of 16 May 1975 governs these rights and obligations.

The property manager ensures administrative management (contracts, insurance, GA convocations), financial management (budget, accounting, charge calls, supplier payments), technical management (maintenance, repairs, works supervision) and legal representation of the co-owners' association. They execute decisions voted at the general assembly and ensure compliance with the co-ownership rules.

Co-ownership charges are distributed among co-owners according to their shares (co-ownership quota). They cover current expenses (common area maintenance, building insurance, common electricity, water, cleaning) and exceptional expenses (renovation work, equipment replacement). The projected budget is voted on each year at the general assembly.

The co-ownership rules are a contractual document established when the building is divided into units. It defines private and common areas, sets the shares for each unit, establishes community living rules and specifies the distribution of charges. This document is published at the land registry office and is binding on all co-owners, including successive buyers.

Routine maintenance is the responsibility of the property manager. Major works (facade renovation, roof replacement, compliance upgrades) must be voted on at the general assembly. Depending on their nature, they require a simple or qualified majority. The manager presents quotes, co-owners vote, and the manager then supervises the works.

Yes, building insurance for co-ownership is strongly recommended and usually required by the co-ownership rules. It covers risks related to common areas (fire, water damage, civil liability). The property manager is responsible for taking out and managing this insurance. Each co-owner must also insure their private areas.

Petzerhiel provides a secure client portal allowing co-owners to access their documents (assembly minutes, statements, contracts), track ongoing incidents and communicate directly with the property manager. Our incident management software enables transparent, real-time tracking of all requests.