Building Assembly

If you live in an apartment building or manage an independent unit, you've certainly heard of the Building Assembly (Assembleias de Condóminos). Often seen as just a lengthy meeting, it is, in fact, the "parliament" of your building. It's where the future of your property and the quality of coexistence between neighbors are decided. In this article, we explain what Portuguese law (Civil Code) says about the functioning and importance of this meeting.

What is a Building Assembly?

The Building Assembly is the deliberative body of the building, composed of all the owners of the units that make up the building. It is the moment when the collective will is expressed through voting. According to Article 1430 of the Civil Code, the administration of the building is the responsibility of both the Assembly and the Administrator. While the Administrator executes, the Assembly decides.

What is the purpose of the Assembly? (Main Responsibilities)

The Assembly is not just for discussing neighborhood problems. Its powers are fundamental to the financial and structural health of the building:

• Annual Financial Report Approval: Validating what was spent in the previous year.

• New Year's Budget: Define the expenses and expected revenue.

• Electing an Administrator: Choosing who will handle day-to-day management (whether a neighbor or a professional company).

• Conservation Works: Deciding on painting, roof repairs, etc.

• Building Regulation: Create or modify the rules of coexistence.

When should it happen?

The law provides for two types of meetings:

• Ordinary: Must be held once a year for discussion and approval of the previous year's financial report and new year's budget.

• Extraordinary: May be called at any time by the administrator or by owners representing at least 25% (one quarter) of the total value of the building.

Who can vote and how does the majority system work?

All owners have the right to vote, and the "weight" of that vote is proportional to the percentage ownership of their unit.

For the Assembly to begin on the first call, the presence of owners representing at least 50% of the total value of the building is required. If the necessary quorum is not met, the Assembly may begin on the second call, 30 minutes later, if the presence of owners representing at least 25% of the total value of the building is verified.

Participating in the Building Assembly is more than a duty; it's a way to protect the value of your property. Being informed about the law allows decisions to be made fairly and transparently.

Need help managing your building? At Petal Condomínios, we guarantee that all meetings strictly comply with the law, promoting harmony and enhancing the value of your property.