In everyday life, apartment residents are often unaware of how important it is to have clear rules, organization, and management of common spaces. This is precisely the role of the housing community and the tenants’ assembly, which together form the foundation for the functioning of any residential building.

What Is a Housing Community?

A housing community is a legal entity made up of all owners of individual units in a building – apartments, commercial spaces, garages, and other premises. It is established so that residents can jointly manage the building, maintain it, and make decisions important for preserving its functionality and value.

According to current laws, every residential building with more than three separate units is required to establish a housing community and register it with the competent authority. Upon registration, the housing community gains the capacity to:

• Sign contracts (e.g., for cleaning, elevator maintenance, building security),
• Collect and manage residents’ funds,
• Represent shared interests before courts and institutions,
• Participate in energy efficiency projects and subsidized maintenance programs.

Without a registered housing community, building management becomes chaotic and left to improvisation, often leading to building neglect and a decrease in its market value.

What Is the Role of the Tenants’ Assembly?

The tenants’ assembly is the highest decision-making body of the housing community. It gathers all owners of individual units in the building, who meet to discuss and decide on all matters of shared interest.

Some of the key decisions made by the tenants’ assembly include:

• Electing and dismissing the building manager,
• Adopting maintenance and investment plans,
• Setting the monthly contributions for the maintenance fund,
• Adopting the house rules,
• Deciding on major investments (roof repairs, elevator replacement, insulation, etc.),
• Applying for and using subsidies and donations.

Decisions are usually made by a simple majority of present owners, while important investments often require qualified majorities, such as two-thirds or more.

It is important to note that all owners are obliged to respect the decisions of the assembly, even those who voted against or did not attend the meeting.

Building Manager – Who Are They and What Do They Do?

The building manager is a person elected by the tenants’ assembly and is responsible for the day-to-day operations on behalf of the housing community. Their responsibilities include:

• Organizing and monitoring building maintenance work,
• Keeping records of the community’s income and expenses,
• Communicating with residents and contractors,
• Implementing the decisions of the assembly,
• Ensuring legal compliance in the community’s operations.

If the residents do not wish to elect a manager from among themselves, they can hire a professional manager – a licensed individual who professionally manages multiple buildings for a fee.

Why Is Active Participation Important?

Resident passivity is the most common cause of problems in housing community functioning. Failure to attend meetings, non-payment of obligations, and lack of interest in community affairs can lead to:

• Deterioration of common areas,
• Legal disputes and financial debts,
• Decline in property market value.

On the other hand, active participation enables:

• Better maintenance and improved appearance of the building,
• Reduced costs through planned investments,
• Timely response to issues,
• Strengthened interpersonal relationships among residents.

A building is not just a place to live – it is a shared responsibility of all who reside in it. Every resident has the right, but also the duty, to take part in decisions that shape daily life and the future of the community.

Conclusion

The housing community and the tenants’ assembly are the pillars of organized life in residential buildings. Their proper functioning directly affects the quality of life, safety, and property value of all residents. Through engagement, solidarity, and a responsible approach, all residents can contribute to creating a safer, more orderly, and pleasant living environment.