Poland proposes new rules for balcony renovation costs

A proposed amendment to the Act on Ownership of Premises (UD312) aims to clarify the division of responsibility for the maintenance of balconies, terraces, and loggias in apartment buildings. The project seeks to codify existing Supreme Court rulings into law, distinguishing between structural elements and private finishes.

Under the proposed regulations, structural and architectural components permanently attached to the building—such as the balcony slab, insulation, beams, railings, and parts of the facade—will be classified as common property. Consequently, the housing community will be responsible for their maintenance, with costs covered by all owners proportionally to their shares. This means residents without balconies may contribute to these repairs, as the work is legally viewed as building maintenance rather than private property improvement.

In contrast, the internal surface of the balcony, including tiles or other private finishes chosen by the owner, remains the sole responsibility of the individual apartment owner. Additionally, the government intends to expand the rights of property owners to monitor how common property is managed, granting them greater access to resolutions, regulations, protocols, and financial reports. The project is expected to be discussed in the Sejm in October 2026.