Property Maintenance. Who is responsible?

alanjolly65 · 2025-09-05T10:52:09+02:00

Explore the legal responsibilities for property maintenance in Bulgarian apartments with balconies. Get insights on shared upkeep duties and maintenance issues.

alanjolly65 Active member

Member since 02 September 2021

alanjolly65Active memberYesterday 08:52:09

Currently there is no problem but, I am curious as to who you feel will be potentiallyresponsible for this?

Two apartments with balconies. One is a wooden balcony supported by wooden posts on the balcony below.聽 Eventually, even with regular maintenance, repairs will be required.

There is no reference to it in the deeds. The complex management will be unlikely to provide any meaningful answers

The apartment below has access to maintain the posts which are on their property. The balcony is solely for the apartment above so do they have some responsibility?

The obvious answer to me is that it is a shared responsibility but I wondered if anyone with legal聽 knowledge has a definitive legal answer.

Image below

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

Member since 30 June 2020

gwynjBulgaria ExpertYesterday 09:52:40

2497

@alanjolly65

I'm not a structural engineer, but I'd be extremely surprised if your balcony is being "supported" by a couple of flimsy wooden posts! :-) My guess is that it's a fairly typical concrete balcony with whatever structural/supporting elements are required, and the wooden surrounds/posts are purely decorative (perhaps ski resort "traditional" style).

In any case, if your balcony collapses, it's bad news for you if you're standing on it, and even worse news for you if you squash your neighbour. So I'd suggest it's prudent if you ensure its safety, regardless of the official legal position.

It all looks in pretty good nick right now, so I would not think there were any immediate concerns (or expenses).

alanjolly65 Active member

Member since 02 September 2021

alanjolly65Active memberYesterday 11:00:36

@gwynj

Thank you!聽 I hope you are correct because the Great news is that I am the neighbor below 馃榾

There balcony above is absolutely 100% wood. They only visit occasionally and you can hear the boards creaking when they walk on them. There are even some small gaps where I can see them!

There are just four wooden beams 11cm x 11cm. One on each corner. Crossbeams which are fixed to the walls.

As you say, the wood is in good condition other than a little weathering. I actually rebuilt my second balcony only a few weeks ago.

I would not dream of touching those supporting beams though.

I expect that the balcony will outlive me. I was just curious as it seems such a crazy way to build a balcony. There is only one like this in each block.