Romania: Legal obligations for apartment owners regarding maintenance and renovations

In Romania, apartment owners are subject to specific legal obligations regarding the maintenance of common building areas and renovation procedures, as governed by Law no. 196/2018 and the Civil Code.

Owners are required to contribute to the repair and maintenance of common elements, such as elevators, terraces, and shared water or gas installations, proportional to their undivided ownership share. This obligation applies even if a resident does not directly use the facility; for example, ground-floor residents must still contribute to elevator repairs, and those with individual heating systems may still be responsible for certain costs related to common building installations.

Regarding apartment renovations, owners must ensure that works do not jeopardize the building's structure, the health of residents, or neighboring properties. While minor maintenance like painting or replacing flooring typically does not require neighbor approval, more significant structural modifications may require specific legal documentation and the consent of the homeowners' association or neighbors to avoid fines and conflicts.