Can I refuse to pay the building service charge?
No — unless you fall into an expressly exempt group. The building is governed by the Condominium Management Act, and the general assembly sets the level of the management and maintenance contributions for the common parts. They pay for electricity and water in the common areas, cleaning, the building manager's remuneration, the lift service contract, snow clearing and running repairs. A decision of the general assembly binds every owner and occupier — including those who did not attend or voted against. No contribution is due from children under 6, nor from anyone who stays in the property for no more than 30 days in a calendar year. Where an owner is absent for more than 30 days, the assembly may resolve that they pay 50%.
📋 The rules
- The amount is set by the general assembly under the Act
- The decision binds even those who voted against
- Children under 6 owe no contribution
- Staying under 30 days a year: no contribution due
- Unpaid contributions are enforced under art. 410 CPC
🔓 Exceptions
- For absences over 30 days the assembly may set the contribution at 50%
- Repair costs for common parts are shared by ownership share, not per head
- A decision of the assembly can be challenged in the district court within 30 days
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Unpaid contributions are an enforceable money debt. The building manager files an application under art. 410 of the Civil Procedure Code and the court issues an order for payment — with no full trial at all, unless you object within 2 weeks. Next come a writ of execution and a private enforcement agent: attachment of bank accounts and wages, and for larger debts a charge and public sale of the flat itself. Interest, costs and legal fees are added on top, so a debt of a few hundred quickly passes a thousand. If you think the decision is unlawful, challenge it within 30 days — do not simply stop paying.
📎 Official sources
- lex.bg · Condominium Management Act →
- lex.bg · Civil Procedure Code (art. 410) →
- Ministry of Regional Development · Condominiums →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I refuse to pay if I never use the lift?
No. A decision of the general assembly binds every owner and occupier, including those who voted against it and those who did not attend the meeting at all.
Who is exempt from the charge?
Children under 6, and anyone who stays in the property for no more than 30 days in a calendar year. For absences beyond 30 days the assembly may set the contribution at 50%.
What happens if I do not pay?
The manager applies under art. 410 of the Civil Procedure Code and the court issues an order for payment with no trial, unless you object within 2 weeks. A writ and attachment follow.
Can I challenge a decision of the assembly?
Yes, in the district court within 30 days of notification. That is the proper route — withholding payment is no defence and simply invites an order for payment against you.
How are repair costs divided?
Costs of repairing and renovating the common parts are shared according to each owner's ownership share, not equally per head, unlike the running maintenance contributions.
🔎 Common searches
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