Building service charges (expensas) keep the building running: cleaning, maintenance, insurance and services. When one owner stops paying, the burden falls on the other residents and managing the building becomes harder.
The law gives the condominium association (consorcio) a swift tool to collect them: summary proceedings for unpaid service charges (juicio ejecutivo de expensas), based on the certificate of debt issued by the building management.
Our team advises condominium associations and building managers on the claim, from the formal demand to the owner in arrears through to collection in court. And if you are an owner with a service-charge debt, we can also help you settle it.
In which cases?
- An owner has built up unpaid service charges.
- Attempts to collect amicably have not worked.
- The debt is affecting how the building runs.
- You are an owner and need to settle a service-charge debt.
How we support you
Review of the debt
We review the statements and the certificate of debt.
Formal demand
We send the owner in arrears a formal demand and propose a payment plan.
Summary proceedings
If no agreement is reached, we file summary proceedings to collect the service charges.
Collection
We support you until the amount owed is collected.
Useful documents
- Certificate of debt issued by the building management.
- Condominium bylaws.
- Minutes of owners' meetings and service-charge statements.
- Details of the owner in arrears.
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything: we will go through it together at the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Who can bring the claim?
The condominium association, represented by its building manager.
What document is needed?
The certificate of debt issued by the building management is the basis for the summary claim.
Can a payment plan be agreed?
Yes, and it is often the best option. If no agreement is reached, the court proceedings go ahead.
Related topics
General information only. It is not a substitute for advice on your specific case.