Renovations carried out at unauthorized times are one of the main causes of economic sanctions in apartment buildings in this country.where the administration applies horizontal property regulations and national police laws to ensure coexistence between neighbors.
According to the most common guidelines for these properties, works must be carried out within a time frame, usually between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., but each administration is empowered to determine its own parameters, set by the owners’ assembly.
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For many groups, working beyond these limits is considered a violation and can result in fines of close to P1 million. This amount varies depending on the type of behavior and repeat violations.
Management remembers that the purpose of these restrictions is not to prevent renovations, but rather to avoid excessive noise, constant traffic from outside personnel, structural damage to common areas and adjacent units, and long-term nuisance. In this context, this measure is aimed at preventing disputes that usually arise when the time allocated to these activities is not respected.
The National Police Law establishes four levels of economic sanctions, ranging from 2 to 16 of the current legal daily minimum wage.depending on the severity of the behavior or its repetition. Therefore, repeated violations or significant changes in coexistence can significantly increase the amount of the initial fine.
These remedial measures apply complementary to each group’s internal measures, are regulated by decisions of the owners’ council, and must guarantee the right of defense of designated persons before formal sanctions are imposed.
The administration can also impose internal sanctions, as long as they do not exceed the value of the administrative fee. In such cases, it is mandatory to carry out procedures to hear the opinions of the parties involved and determine whether the conduct actually constitutes infringement.
These groups can document events through monitoring reports, signatures from affected neighbors, or audiovisual recordings to supplement their analysis. As for leased properties, it is necessary to notify the owner, take corresponding corrective measures and assess whether a breach of contract has occurred between the parties.
Horizontal property experts argue that one of the best ways to avoid sanctions is to clearly inform the government of construction details in advance.This is especially true when the presence of multiple specialists, bulky items, or lengthy interventions are required. By notifying the date, time, and nature of the work, management can ensure compliance with acceptable noise levels and coordinate any approvals required for outside personnel access to the shared property.
If the modification involves structural changes, changes to hydraulic or electrical points, or interventions that may affect common areas, it is mandatory to present plans or technical support issued by a certified specialist.
These measures are aimed at avoiding damage that could jeopardize the safety of the building and avoiding legal liability for owners and tenants carrying out the works. Missing these documents may result in a caution within the group, suspension or disciplinary action.
While not all maintenance activities require formal permits, the administration remembers that it is important to respect established schedules and avoid impacting other residents.This is especially true when hammering, cutting materials, drilling, or using tools that produce high levels of noise. Not knowing the rules does not exempt employees from liability, so employees are advised to read company regulations in detail and consult with the government if they have any doubts about the scope of their work.
In areas where there are repeated complaints from external personnel about noise and constant traffic, some groups have introduced additional controls such as digitized entry records, prior written permission and supervision during working hours to ensure that work complies with permits.
These measures are aimed at promoting a coexistence environment that avoids inconveniences between neighbors and allows the need for improvements to be in harmony with the right to rest of people living in housing units.
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