Louis Constantinou is advocating for legal reforms in multi-owner buildings, including due diligence checks to clear joint debts, mandatory rectification of unauthorized property alterations, certification to confirm units are free of illegal alterations and outstanding debts, and targeted legal provisions to prevent the illegal seizure of common and public areas. Constantinou’s proposals aim to address complex issues related to managing common expenses, eradicate illegal property alterations, ensure verification through certification, and promote a harmonious and legally compliant living environment for all residents.
What legal reforms are being advocated for multi-owner buildings?
Louis Constantinou is advocating for legal reforms to address issues in multi-owner buildings by proposing:
- Due diligence checks to clear joint debts before property transactions.
- Mandatory rectification of unauthorized property alterations before sale or transfer.
- Certification to confirm units are free of illegal alterations and outstanding debts.
- Targeted legal provisions to prevent the illegal seizure of common and public areas.
Larnaca resident Louis Constantinou has taken a stand against the persistent problem of unauthorized structural changes in apartment buildings. As an owner of a residential apartment himself, Constantinou has reached out to the House Standing Committee on Internal Affairs, advocating for a more robust legal framework to govern buildings with multiple owners.
The Problem of Unsettled Common Expenses
Constantinou’s concerns revolve around the complexities of managing common expenses within these multi-owner properties. He notes the difficulties that arise when previous owners neglect their financial responsibilities, leaving unpaid fees that complicate the sale or transfer of property. His proposal is straightforward: implement due diligence checks to clear any joint debts before such transactions, including the sale, transfer, or mortgaging of the property, can take place.
Eradicating Illegal Property Alterations
Illegal alterations to properties are a thorny issue in multi-owner buildings, and Constantinou believes that a preemptive approach is the best solution. By making it mandatory for the seller to rectify any unauthorized changes before proceeding with the property transaction, he argues that the widespread occurrence of such alterations could be significantly reduced.
Certification as a Means of Verification
To ensure that these changes are enforced, Constantinou suggests a system where the Administrative Committee of the property issues a certification. This document would confirm that the unit in question is free of illegal alterations and has no outstanding common debts. The certification would serve as a deterrent, not only streamlining property transactions but also enhancing the overall quality of life within the building.
Addressing the Seizure of Common and Public Areas
The letter continues to shed light on a more insidious problem: the illegal seizure of public and common spaces by certain unit owners. Constantinou highlights this issue in his own building, where individuals have unlawfully taken control of these areas, incorporating them into their private units. He believes that without targeted legal provisions, the issue of illegal alterations and expansions will persist, eroding the integrity of shared living spaces.
Proactive Legal Interventions Proposed
The enactment of proactive legal provisions is at the heart of Constantinou’s appeal. He seeks to ensure that any unlawful modifications are addressed and corrected prior to the transfer, mortgage, or sale of a unit within a jointly owned building. This approach not only aims to resolve immediate issues but also to prevent future violations, promoting a more harmonious and legally compliant living environment for all residents.
Through his efforts, Constantinou is advocating for a legal framework that not only protects the rights of individual property owners but also preserves the collective interests of all residents within multi-owner buildings. His proactive stance underscores the importance of legal accountability and the need for reforms to keep pace with the evolving challenges faced by communities in shared living spaces.
Quick Recap
- Louis Constantinou is advocating for legal reforms in multi-owner buildings, including due diligence checks to clear joint debts.
- He proposes mandatory rectification of unauthorized property alterations before sale or transfer.
- Constantinou suggests certification to confirm units are free of illegal alterations and outstanding debts.
- He calls for targeted legal provisions to prevent the illegal seizure of common and public areas.
- Constantinou’s proposals aim to address complex issues related to managing common expenses, eradicate illegal property alterations, ensure verification through certification, and promote a harmonious and legally compliant living environment for all residents.
