July 26, 2025 · 3 min de lectura
Can the chair enter a flat? Easements and necessary access
The main soil pipe breaks and can only be repaired from the bathroom of 2A. What if the owner of 2A will not open the door?
The legal obligation
Every owner must allow access to their flat when it is necessary for repairs or easements affecting common elements. It is an express legal obligation (article 9 of the Horizontal Property Act). Refusing without cause puts you on the wrong side of the court.
How it is exercised (politely)
- Reasonable notice, in writing: what needs doing, when, how long it will take.
- Flexibility on dates as far as possible: cooperation is answered with cooperation.
- The work carried out by professionals, with the least damage possible.
Compensation
If the work causes damage or loss to the flat (opening up the bathroom wall, days without being able to use it), the community compensates or repairs: the neighbour bears the intrusion, not the cost.
If they refuse
A formal demand (certified letter) setting out the legal obligation and the consequences; if they persist, judicial authorisation to enter — which is granted, with costs against whoever blocked it. Almost nobody gets that far once they understand the framework.
For the chair
Document the whole process. And remember the flip side: the same right protects every neighbour when the community needs to come into YOUR home.
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