Changes to the Condominium Ownership Act in Bulgaria come into force

Important changes to the Condominium Management Act (CMLA) came into force in Bulgaria on December 31, 2024. The changes relate to the mandatory registration of management boards and professional managers in the Unified Centralized Register of Condominiums, which is maintained by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.

According to Art. 47e of the Condominium Property Act, the management boards (managers) are required to be registered in the Unified Centralized Register of Condominium Property, through the relevant municipality in which the building is located.

In this regard, the chairmen of the general council (managers) of apartments or entrances in the condominium regime are required to submit a notification to the municipal administration within one month from the date of their election. The notification includes the names, e-mail addresses, addresses and telephone numbers of the members of the management board (manager) or of the professional manager-trader, members of the control board (controller) and of the treasurer, the amount of the established monthly contributions to the "Repair and Renovation" fund, the number of separate premises in the building and the building identifier. Along with the notification, it is necessary to submit a certified copy of the minutes and the annexes thereto, corresponding to the original.

In condominium buildings where no management boards (managers) have been elected and/or the amount of the monthly contribution to the “Repair and Reconstruction” fund has been determined, it is necessary to convene and hold a general meeting to determine them, after which the information should be submitted to the municipal administration.

Algorithm of actions

To enter information into the register, the management board or professional manager must:

• Convene a general meeting of residents (if this has not already been done).
• Make a decision to appoint a manager (chairman of the management board or company).
• Fill out the notice, indicating all the necessary information.
• Prepare certified copies of the minutes and annexes to them.
• Submit documents to the local community administration.

Benefits of Innovation

The adopted changes are expected to benefit all participants in the real estate market.

• For property owners – transparent management of the building, clear terms for payment of installments, effective allocation of funds for repairs.
• For buyers and investors – the opportunity to check the status of the building management before purchasing an apartment.
• State authorities – control over compliance with housing legislation and improving the quality of condominium maintenance.

The changes to the Condominium Management Act are an important step towards creating a more transparent, secure and responsible condominium management system in Bulgaria. Homeowners should take care to register a manager in advance to avoid problems and ensure a comfortable life in their home.

If you have real estate in Bulgaria and need help with condominium management issues, contact us! We will help you understand the new rules, complete the documents and find a professional manager.