Gesellschaftsrecht

Rights and obligations of condominium owners – Reviewing the partition declaration helps avoid surprises

Paul Gerlach

26. Dec 2022

It is important to understand the partition declaration of a condominium association (WEG) as it clarifies the rights and obligations of the owners and helps avoid conflicts. The partition declaration is a contract that sets the rules for the use and management of a WEG and is filed with the land registry. It includes regulations on common areas, shared facilities, ongoing costs, and maintenance. Any changes to the partition declaration must be decided and documented. Conflicts and disputes can arise in WEGs, and the partition declaration is a key tool to prevent and resolve such issues.

1. What is a partition declaration and why is it important?

  • Definition and purpose of the partition declaration
  • The partition declaration as a contract between the condominium owners
  • The partition declaration as the basis for the management and use of a WEG

    2. Content and components of the partition declaration
  • Regulations on common areas and shared facilities
  • Determination of ongoing costs and their distribution
  • Regulations on maintenance and repair of shared facilities and common areas
  • Regulations on the insurance of shared facilities and common areas

    3. Changes to the partition declaration
  • When is a change to the partition declaration necessary?
  • How are changes to the partition declaration decided?
  • How are changes to the partition declaration documented?

    4. Disputes and conflicts in WEGs
  • Reasons for disputes and conflicts in WEGs
  • Ways to prevent disputes and conflicts
  • How are disputes and conflicts in WEGs resolved?

    5. Conclusion: The partition declaration is an important tool for regulating the use and management of a WEG and can help avoid conflicts. Therefore, it is crucial to read and understand the partition declaration carefully.

What is a partition declaration and why is it important?

Definition and Purpose of the Partition Declaration

The partition declaration is a contract that defines the rules for the use and management of a condominium association (WEG). It is filed with the land registry and is accessible to everyone. Typically, each owner receives a copy of the partition declaration upon purchasing a property. The purpose of the partition declaration is to provide clarity and legal certainty for all parties involved and to avoid conflicts. It explains how common areas may be used and who is responsible for their maintenance. It also outlines how the ongoing costs of the WEG are distributed and how the maintenance of shared facilities is handled. For this reason, it is essential to read and understand the partition declaration carefully to avoid misunderstandings or disputes.

The partition declaration as a contract between condominium owners

The partition declaration is a contract signed by all condominium owners that establishes the rules for the use and management of a condominium association (WEG). It essentially serves as a "community charter" that is binding for all parties involved. By signing the partition declaration, condominium owners commit to adhering to the set rules and fulfilling their rights and obligations. The partition declaration is therefore a crucial tool for regulating relationships among condominium owners and is essential for peaceful coexistence within the WEG. It is important that all condominium owners carefully read and understand the partition declaration to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.

The partition declaration as the basis for the management and use of a WEG

The partition declaration not only functions as a contract between condominium owners but also serves as the foundation for the management and use of a WEG. It contains key provisions concerning common areas and shared facilities, such as staircases, laundry rooms, or fitness rooms, and defines who is responsible for their maintenance and cleaning. It also determines the amount of ongoing costs each condominium owner must bear. These costs include heating, repairs, or insurance. The partition declaration is thus an essential tool for the administration of a WEG and should be closely observed by all parties involved.

Content and Components of the Partition Declaration

The contents of a partition declaration may vary depending on the WEG, but generally, it includes the following provisions:

  1. Regulations for common areas and shared facilities:
  • Use and responsibility for common areas and shared facilities
  • Cleaning and maintenance of common areas and shared facilities
  • Usage times and restrictions for shared facilities

    2. Determination and distribution of ongoing costs:
  • Type and amount of ongoing costs (e.g., heating, repairs, insurance)
  • Distribution of ongoing costs among condominium owners
  • Provisions for collecting special assessments

    3. Regulations for the maintenance and repair of shared facilities and common areas:
  • Responsibility for maintenance work
  • Funding of repairs and maintenance
  • Provisions for adhering to deadlines for repairs and maintenance

  • 4. Regulations for the insurance of shared facilities and common areas:
  • Type and amount of insurance
  • Responsibility for securing and managing insurance policies

    5. Other provisions:
  • Regulations for the management of the WEG (e.g., calling owners' meetings, election of management boards)
  • Rules for the use of storage rooms and parking spaces

Disputes and conflicts in condominium associations

Disputes and conflicts are unfortunately common in condominium associations (WEGs). They can occur on various levels and are often difficult to resolve. Frequent disputes arise, for example, from the use of common areas and shared facilities that do not comply with the rules of the partition declaration. Conflicts may also arise regarding the distribution of ongoing costs and the funding of repairs and maintenance. In such cases, it is important to find a solution that is acceptable to all parties. The partition declaration usually contains provisions for resolving disputes and conflicts, which can serve as the first point of reference. However, if no agreement is reached, there is also the option of seeking assistance from a dispute resolution service.

  1. Provisions on special rights and obligations of condominium owners:
  • Special rights, such as the right to use shared facilities or parking spaces
  • Special obligations, such as reporting requirements for the use of shared facilities or special burdens on common areas

    2. Provisions for changes to the partition declaration:
  • Procedures for amending the partition declaration
  • Approval and decision-making processes for changes

    3. Provisions for disputes and conflicts:
  • Procedures for resolving disputes and conflicts within the WEG
  • Options for out-of-court dispute resolution

Conclusion: Rights and obligations of condominium owners – Reviewing the partition declaration protects against surprises

The partition declaration contains important rules for the use and management of a WEG. Key components of the partition declaration include regulations on common areas and shared facilities, such as the staircase, laundry room, or fitness room. The partition declaration determines who is responsible for the use of these spaces and how they may be used. It also outlines the ongoing costs of the WEG, such as heating or repairs, and how these costs are distributed among the condominium owners. In addition, the partition declaration contains provisions on the maintenance and repair of shared facilities and common areas to ensure they remain in good condition. Finally, the partition declaration also includes rules regarding the insurance of shared facilities and common areas to provide coverage in the event of damage.

By adhering to these regulations, clarity and legal certainty are established for all parties involved, preventing conflicts. Therefore, it is important that all condominium owners read and understand the partition declaration carefully and comply with the established rules. Only in this way can peaceful coexistence within the WEG be ensured.

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