Cyprus Jointly-Owned Buildings Bill Sparks Debate Over Management Roles

The Cypriot government’s initiative to reform the regulation of jointly-owned buildings has encountered significant pushback from the country’s five District Local Government Organisations (DLGOs). These entities, entrusted with local governance, argue that the proposed legislation demands responsibilities that exceed their current capabilities and mandates.

In a formal memorandum sent to the Standing Committee on Internal Affairs, the DLGOs expressed clear opposition to being assigned the tasks of registering and overseeing management committees for shared properties. They emphasize that these functions are complex and require substantial resources that are not currently available, urging for more thorough consultation and infrastructure development prior to implementation.

Earlier this week, the Chair of the Internal Affairs Committee publicly criticised the Interior Ministry for drafting the bill without involving the DLGOs, which are expected to execute the new roles. This omission has highlighted the disconnect between different government branches during the legislative process. More details on this controversy can be found here.

What the Bill Proposes

The draft legislation aims to address maintenance and safety deficits affecting approximately 30,000 jointly-owned buildings across Cyprus. Key proposals include mandatory regular inspections conducted by certified experts registered with the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), covering structural, mechanical, and electrical components.

Failure to inspect and maintain these properties has resulted in incidents like collapsing balconies and deteriorating walls, putting residents at risk and reducing property values. The bill also mandates that management committees establish reserve funds dedicated to ongoing repairs and maintenance.

Under the new law, owners will bear the cost of communal expenses such as heating, cleaning, elevator upkeep, electricity, and water use. Furthermore, it requires comprehensive building insurance, environmental upgrades, insulation improvements, and the repair of shared facilities. Violators may be blocked from selling their units until all communal fees are fully settled.

Challenges Raised by DLGOs

Despite the bill’s intentions, the DLGOs argue it does not adequately address the fundamental problem of securing timely payment for communal fees. Management committees need reliable financial flows to fulfill their obligations, including insurance and essential repairs. Without an enforceable mechanism for fee collection, these committees are unlikely to succeed, setting the stage for continued building neglect.

The DLGOs also note that the proposed administrative fees fall short of covering operational costs. They call for the Interior Ministry to first develop specialised management software, allocate sufficient funding, and establish professional staffing before transferring these duties.

Importantly, the DLGOs have been managing dangerous buildings since April 2025 but continue to lack clear guidelines and adequate support. They urge the government to strengthen current responsibilities like licensing before expanding their portfolio further.

Looking Ahead

The management of jointly-owned properties remains a critical issue in Cyprus, directly impacting residents’ safety and property values. Ensuring that legislative changes come with practical resources and enforceable financial frameworks will be key to successful reform.

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