Essentially, it boils down to anything that alters or affects the common areas of the property, as well as changes to the façade, load-bearing walls and similar, but in all cases you would do well to consult the statutes and regulations laid out in the rules set by the community of owners itself.
Please bear in mind that the information included in this article is intended as orientation only, and does not constitute legal advice.
Closing in your terrace
For instance, to put in a conservatory you need permission not only from the community of owners but perhaps also from the local municipal council. This is because this type of renovation alters the common elements of the community and the municipal area, changing the appearance of the building’s exterior façade. As such, permits will normally need to be requested, although it will of course depend on what is included in the statutes of the community of owners. If you close off the terrace or balcony space to make a conservatory without asking for permission, you could be in breach of the law and may be liable to be sued for an urban planning violation, having increased the built area of your home. Besides this, remember that it could be a problem once you decide to sell your property if you have not asked for the necessary authorisations and the buyer requires them.
Pergolas and awnings
Another change that you will often have to ask permission for from the community of owners and possibly even the town hall is the installation of pergolas, awnings or any other element that may affect the aesthetics of the building’s exterior.
Most communities like to set out a series of rules regarding the design, colour and model of awnings that may be installed in order to give the neighbourhood a uniformity and harmony, so you cannot necessarily just go ahead and put in any old type you want.
Air conditioning
Giving permission for the installation of air conditioning systems that go on the outside of the building is not automatic as this still needs to comply with community bylaws. However, any deviations to the community bylaws would need permission, and will need a possibly unanimous vote by the community to approve, unless this was for adaptive living rights under disability protections or other exceptions included in the Horizontal Property Law.
Painting your house
Painting the façade of your home is also an alteration of the community’s common elements, so the Horizontal Property Law (LPH) establishes that this change must be submitted to the consensus of the rest of your neighbours. Furthermore, as it is considered a major work, it will also be necessary to present the project to the town council and obtain a building permit.
Changing the doors
Changing the main entrance door to your house or villa does not require the permission of the rest of your neighbours, as a general rule. However, if you want to make the doorway bigger or put it in another place, you will need permission. Before making any changes, you should consult the community statutes just in case, since some communities do stipulate agreements about changing the doors.
