Ramps, stairlifts and lifts: when the work is compulsory

There is a category of works where the meeting does not entirely decide: reasonable accessibility adjustments.

The compulsory work (no vote will do)

If they are requested by owners (or the people who live with them) aged over 70 or with a disability, the community MUST carry out the necessary accessibility works (ramp, stairlift, adapting the entrance) where their cost, net of grants, does not exceed 12 ordinary monthly instalments of common expenses. Whether to do it is not put to a vote: it is a legal obligation.

If it exceeds 12 monthly instalments

It goes to a vote (simple majority). And if approved, it binds everyone even beyond the limit. A relevant detail: if the applicants cover the excess over the 12 instalments, the work becomes compulsory again.

A lift where there is none

Installing a new lift for accessibility is facilitated with a simple majority where universal accessibility requires it. It remains the most expensive and complex job (design, permits, sometimes giving up space) — but the legal framework is designed in its favour.

Grants change the numbers

Accessibility is among the best subsidised areas: national and regional schemes cover high percentages (sometimes 60–80% on stairlifts and lifts). "There is no money" always deserves the exercise of doing the sums WITH grants before deciding.

The human angle

Behind every request there is somebody who cannot leave their home normally. Communities that treat it as a shared project (rather than a legal arm-wrestle) end up with a better building, more value per home and better relations. The law pushes; the attitude decides.