This type of meeting plays an important role in dealing with issues of interest to the residents of the building.
Source: Freepik
Author: Redaction
Who lives in buildings or real estate with spaces common to other residents, certainly has already been summoned to a meeting of condominium, also known as assembly of tenants, meetings in the management and decision making of the housing building in question. In this type of meeting, residents meet and discuss different matters, with votes to decide changes of common interest, from the approval of bills and budgets to works and remodeling.
The main role of these meetings is to maintain the zeal of the building, with, as a rule, the election of the condominium administrator, who is responsible for certain aspects of building management.
If you live in a property that is part of a condominium, know how these assemblies work, what they deal with, what may or may not be decided and what is their importance for the well-being of residents.
What does the legislation say?
Article
1431 of Decree-Law 47344 of the Diário da República stipulates the
periodicity of the joint-owners' meetings, which must be in the first fortnight of January, after the convocation of the administrator. At this meeting, the accounts for the last year should be discussed and approved, as well as the expenditure budget for the current year. However, there
may be other meetings whenever there is a call by the administrator, or
by joint owners who represent at least 25% of the capital invested.
In Portugal, the law defines that each condominium can have its own internal regulation, in addition to the general legislation, which defines specific standards for the building.
To convene a meeting, the administrator must do so at least 15 days in advance, as any joint owner representing 25% of the total value of the building.
In
all meetings, the owners of the autonomous units of the building
reserve the right to participate and may assign their representation to
an agent, however, with regard to the administrator, their presence is mandatory, unless expressly dismissed by the building assembly.
The administrator is also responsible for presenting the agenda of each meeting,
according to what is stipulated in the rules of procedure or
legislation, and last-minute meetings may be called in case of urgency.
How do these meetings work?
Chaired by the administrator or a joint-owner elected for this purpose, the meetings shall operate with a record, which shall be drawn up by the designated person, who may be one of the joint-owners, elected on the day of the meeting.
It is important to mention that, if there is no administrator yet, the first meeting can be convened by any of the residents of the building, provided that it serves to elect a representative administrator who, from that date, is in charge of assuming the stipulated functions.
All
decisions that are made throughout the assemblies must be decided by
vote, with each fraction of the building exercising a vote proportional
to its total value. However, in certain situations, the law requires a qualified majority, particularly for the approval of large works.
For residents, what are the advantages of condominium meetings?
These assemblies of tenants play a key role in the good management of the building, as well as promoting cohesion among residents, who get to know and share visions and suggestions about the building where they live. But there are some advantages that are important to highlight:
1. Transparency and democracy
Through these meetings, it becomes possible for residents
to stay informed about the management of the condominium where they
live and participate in the decisions that affect their daily lives, taking part in the decisions that are made.
2. Settlement of conflicts
As in all communities, conflicts can arise that, for the well-being of all, must be resolved, and condominium meetings serve for this very purpose, presenting themselves as a space open to dialogue and problem solving among residents.
3. Improving the quality of life
Only
through discussion can major decisions be made and, as regards the
administration of a condominium, the same applies, especially decisions
that can contribute to improving the quality of life of residents. Decisions
are made such as carrying out conservation and maintenance works,
implementing safety measures or even promoting sustainability in the
building.
The condominium meetings are thus essential for the proper functioning of a housing building, through the active participation of all residents. If you live in a condominium, ensure your participation in these assemblies, promote transparent and democratic management and call for conflict resolution and improved quality of life for all!
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