Legal & Tax

Can I Do Renovations in My Apartment Without Community Permission? Legal Guide 2026

Maria Sánchez

June 17, 2026

13 min read

Can I Do Renovations in My Apartment Without Community Permission?

Legal guide based on the Law of Horizontal Property (LPH)

The Real Dilemma: You've wanted to renovate your kitchen, replace the windows, or do a complete apartment overhaul for years. But doubts arise: do you need community permission? What's the risk if you act without notifying? Hundreds of property owners face sanctions, legal proceedings, and work stoppages every year because they don't understand exactly what requires community approval and what doesn't.

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The Legal Reality: Not Everything Needs Approval

The good news is that not all renovation work requires community approval. The Law of Horizontal Property (LPH) draws a clear distinction between work that affects only your private property and work that affects common areas or the building's structure.

However, this distinction is not always obvious. Renovations that seem "private" (like redirecting a drainage pipe) may require approval. And others that might appear "structural" (like painting the facade) have specific rules.

The Golden Rule

If your work affects third parties, the building, or common elements, you need approval. If it only affects the interior of your apartment and doesn't damage the structure or affect neighbors, it's your private responsibility. When in doubt = ask first.

Work That Does NOT Require Permission (Your Private Responsibility)

✓ Minor Interior Work

Interior wall and ceiling painting
Flooring replacement (without affecting structure)
Installation of moldings, shelving, or built-in wardrobes
Replacement of interior doors (as long as emergency access is maintained)
Renovation of electrical systems and interior installations (complying with regulations)

✓ Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations

Tile, faucet, and sanitaryware replacement
Space reconfiguration (without affecting common pipes)
Installation of private heating (without modifying common systems)

✓ Comfort Improvements

Air conditioning (individual interior units)
Window replacement (if not affecting exterior facade)
Thermal or acoustic insulation

Work That DOES Require Permission (Community Approval)

⚠️ Structural Modifications

Demolishing or creating walls (affects structure)
Changing interior distribution if it affects common pipes or ducts
Modifying exterior facade or windows (affects building appearance)
Installing air conditioning with external units
Creating new openings (windows, doors to facade)

⚠️ Common Systems

Modifying water, gas, or drainage pipes (if affecting neighbors)
Changing radiators or centralized heating systems
Installing private elevators or closing stairwells
Work on shared walls (wall shared with neighbor)

⚠️ Impact on Third Parties

Noise, dust, or vibration affecting neighbors for extended periods
Changes to common access areas (hallways, stairs)
Installation of antennas or solar panels (affecting facade)
Enclosing terraces or balconies (part of common facade)

What Majority is Required to Approve Work?

If the administrator or community requests approval, the required majority depends on the type of work:

Simple Majority (50% + 1): Work that benefits the community (elevator, pool, facade revetment)
3/5 Parts: New common services or major improvements
Unanimity: Modification of bylaws or changes affecting fundamental rights

Consequences of Doing Work Without Permission

Sanctions can be serious:

Administrative fine: Up to €600 for minor infractions, €3,000+ for serious ones
Restoration obligation: The community can force you to undo the work at your expense
Civil lawsuit: Lawsuit from affected neighbors for damages and losses
Forced execution: Court orders work undone and you pay costs
Legal record: Records that affect future property transactions

The Correct Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Prior Consultation (MANDATORY)

Contact the administrator or community before hiring any contractors. Describe exactly what you plan to do (plans, contractor, timeline).

Step 2: Get Written Response

The community must respond in writing if approval is needed. If they don't respond within 30 days, you can assume no objection (except special cases).

Step 3: If Approval is Required

The community calls an extraordinary meeting. Voting occurs according to the required majority. Approval must be recorded in official minutes.

Step 4: Municipal License

Some work requires a building permit from the municipality. Make sure you have it. The community may ask for proof before authorizing.

Step 5: Startup Notification

Notify neighbors of the start date, estimated duration, and responsible contractor. This minimizes conflicts and demonstrates good faith.

Step 6: Final Inspection

Once completed, allow the administrator or community to inspect (if requested). Verify there are no pending complaints.

Gray Areas: Frequently Asked Questions

What if I replace my apartment windows?

It depends: If they're facade windows (visible exterior), yes, you need approval because it affects the building's appearance. If they're interior (toward private courtyard), it depends on your bylaws.

Can I install air conditioning on my own?

Not completely: The interior unit is your responsibility. But if you need an exterior unit on the facade, you need approval because it affects third parties.

What happens if the administrator doesn't respond to my inquiry?

Legally: After 30 days without response, you can assume tacit consent (for private work). But it's recommended to have written proof (email).

My neighbor did work without permission. Can I do anything?

Yes: You can report it to the community or seek community arbitration. If the damage is serious, you can sue in court.

Conclusion: Ask First, Renovate Later

The golden rule is simple: if you have doubts, ask. A 5-minute prior consultation with the administrator can save you thousands of euros and years of legal conflicts.

Most minor work in your apartment (kitchen, bathroom, painting) is your responsibility. But anything that touches the facade, structure, common systems, or affects neighbors needs approval. Document everything in writing and keep copies.

Remember: a well-informed community is a community without problems.

IgeraFincas automatically answers this question to your community's residents, citing the exact article from your bylaws. Try it free for 14 days.