Can I refuse to pay if I voted against the decision?
You cannot — and the rule is strict. A valid decision of the apartment owners' community binds every owner, including one who voted against or did not vote at all. Voting against creates no individual exemption from payment. An apartment owner must contribute to the building's management expenses and pay for services — heating, water, sewerage, waste. Costs are generally allocated by the undivided share of common property, and so are contributions to the reserve fund. A decision binds where owners representing more than half of all apartments vote for it — unless that particular question requires a higher majority.
📋 The rules
- A valid community decision binds everyone
- Voting against creates no exemption
- Costs are allocated by the undivided share
- Binding with more than half of the votes
- To challenge: 3 months, at most one year
🔓 Exceptions
- A decision contrary to law can be challenged without the three-month and one-year limits
- Certain questions require a higher majority than a simple one
- A buyer who must pay an inherited debt may still dispute how it was calculated
⚠️ Penalties & fines
And now the crucial part — something changed on 1 January 2026. The debt now follows the flat. A buyer acquiring an apartment through a voluntary transfer is responsible for specified debts arising in the preceding three years: management costs, utility payments, reserve-fund contributions, statutory land-use payments, and the associated interest and contractual penalties. Payment falls due immediately after acquisition — though you keep the right to dispute the calculation, and you may recover the money from the previous owner. The practical upshot: before buying a flat, check its debt history.
📎 Official sources
- likumi.lv · Condominium Ownership Law →
- likumi.lv · Condominium Law amendment →
- likumi.lv · 2026 amendment →
❓ Frequently asked
Does voting against exempt me from paying?
It does not. A valid decision of the apartment owners' community binds every owner, including one who voted against it or did not vote at all. It creates no individual exemption.
How many votes does a decision need?
A decision is generally binding where owners representing more than half of all apartment properties vote in favour. Certain questions require a higher majority under the law.
How long do I have to challenge a decision?
Three months from learning of it, or from when you reasonably should have, but no later than one year after the decision. A decision contrary to law can be challenged without those limits.
Does the debt follow the flat?
Since 1 January 2026, yes. A buyer in a voluntary transfer is responsible for specified debts arising in the preceding three years, including interest and contractual penalties.
What should I do before buying a flat?
Check the debt history. On acquiring the apartment you may have to pay the previous owner's debts immediately — though you may dispute the calculation and reclaim the money from the seller.
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