Damage, whether large or small, is annoying. It ranges from broken windows to burst pipes. Assessment and repair should therefore be carried out quickly. However, owners often ask themselves whether they should take action themselves or contact the property management company. Below we offer you a guide on how to proceed correctly when repairing damage.
The obligation to maintain a building and its general parts (facade, staircase, pipes, etc.) is one of the core tasks of a property management company. But what about damage directly in the apartment?
If there is damage that cannot be assigned or whose cause is not identifiable, please contact the property management company. This includes serious damage to the building as well as damage that could be hazardous to the health of the residents:
In general, residents can follow the following rule of thumb: In the case of damage (for example not caused by a faulty wiring) to the furnishings and visible equipment inside the apartment (in particular wall and floor coverings, interior doors and the like) or defective light bulbs, light switches and sockets, the maintenance is usually the responsibility of the resident (if necessary with the help of specialists).
Before repairing damage, a distinction must be made between shared property and condominium ownership. The legal basis for this distinction is provided by the Condominium Ownership Act (WEG) and the respective condominium ownership contract.
Shared property includes parts of the building that are used jointly, including:
The maintenance obligations in this regard generally fall to the owners’ association, unless expressly agreed otherwise.
Condominium ownership includes the parts of an apartment to which changes can generally be made. These include:
The maintenance obligation in this regard falls to the apartment owner – except in the case of consequential damage – and is therefore not assumed by the owners’ association or property management. The costs are to be borne by the apartment owner themselves.
