When we buy a house or an apartment in a building, we enter the wonderful world of the neighborhood community. Yes, although they have tried to sell us on television and comedy shows that can be something at least catastrophic, the truth is that living on a farm has many benefits. But hey, we are not really talking about that, but about the position that you can have when you become a homeowner. And it is that, once you acquire your house you can become president of the condominium community. We are going to tell you everything you need to know about it so that you are not caught by surprise.
5 answers to your questions about the president of the condominium community
Who can be and who can’t?
Anyone who owns or co-owns a dwelling or a premise can be president of the condominium community. This means that all those who rent an apartment cannot hold that position.
How is the president of the condominium community elected?
The most common way is through lottery or rotating shifts. And, in general, there are usually no volunteers for that position. Of course, on the occasions when someone shows up voluntarily, the necessary agreement to be elected is that of the simple majority of the owners (only one vote per home will count).
How long is the charge?
It depends on the statutes of each condominium community, but usually the mandate is for one year.
What does a condominium community president have to do?
The functions of this position are mainly those of secretary and administrator. Below we tell you, in more detail, what his/her responsibilities are:
- To call the ordinary meetings of homeowners, as well as to moderate them and close the minutes. This must be done at least once a year.
- When there is some reason for urgency, such as a problem between neighbours or a breakdown affecting the whole building, you will have to call extraordinary meetings.
- Take charge of contracting cleaning services, concierges and asking for help (always having consulted the other neighbours).
- Demand judicially the payment of debts. If there is a debtor in the building, the president must demand judicially (after agreement in the meeting) the payment of the debts.
If I don’t want to be, can I refuse?
Yes, you can refuse, but on strong grounds such as:
- Age: owners who are over 70 years old can exempt themselves from this obligation.
- Demonstrate incompatibility for the position.
- Suffering physical or psychological limitations.
- Having an illness that prevents you from working.
What is the process for not accepting the position?
The first thing you need to know is that if you are going to refuse, you have to tell your neighbours and have them agree to make a new choice. In the event that an agreement is not reached, it will have to be made through the courts by presenting a written statement to the judge explaining the reasons why you cannot practice. This process usually takes a month, so during this time and in order not to have any problems, you will have to carry out your duties as president of the condominium community until everything is resolved.
