When renovations or improvements are being considered in shared residential buildings, everything hinges on one crucial moment: the general meeting of co-owners…
In Monaco, where apartment blocks often involve high-end finishes and complex shared facilities, submitting a project to fellow residents requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of legal procedures.
As lawyer Sophie Marquet, partner at CMS Monaco, told Monaco Info, the general assembly brings together all co-owners, either in person or by proxy, to vote on proposed works that affect common areas or alter the external appearance of the building. Private works that have no impact on shared structures can be carried out freely, but anything from façade changes to terrace extensions must be approved collectively.
Before submitting a proposal, co-owners must clearly identify the category of work. Maintenance and repairs are generally easier to approve, while extensions, embellishments or projects that could cause disturbance will be examined more cautiously. Each type of work is subject to different voting rules. Some can be approved by a simple majority of owners present or represented. More substantial work, such as improvements to common areas or structural alterations, requires a qualified majority representing two-thirds of the votes. The most sensitive cases — such as giving up common property or modifying the official distribution of charges — can even require unanimity among co-owners.
If a proposal is rejected, there are still options. The applicant can appeal the decision before the Court of First Instance, which will verify whether the assembly acted within its legal framework.
While recent headlines on the French Riviera have raised concerns over property management practices, Monaco’s legal system offers strong safeguards. Trustees — whether professional or voluntary — are strictly regulated, protecting co-owners from conflicts of interest.
In short: success at a general assembly depends on clarity, preparation… and diplomacy!
Photo by Simon Moore
