Understanding (Comunidad de Vecinos) Meetings

At SGM Abogados, we know that navigating the world of Spanish property law requires clarity—especially when it comes to communal property ownership. If you own an apartment or shared home in Spain, you’ll likely become part of the comunidad de vecinos. One fundamental aspect of this participation is attending neighbourhood meetings, which are more significant than many expect.

What Are These Meetings All About?

Held under Spain’s Horizontal Property Law, these gatherings are not optional suggestions—they’re formal mechanisms designed to maintain harmony and ensure collective decision-making within residential communities.

Typically, an annual general meeting is convened, though the administration may call extraordinary meetings at any time to handle urgent issues like urgent repairs or security matters.

The agenda of these meetings usually includes:

• Reviewing and approving the community’s financial accounts

• Reappointing or electing members of the governing board

• Discussing and voting on upcoming fiscal commitments—or even the installation of new amenities.

Transparency, Attendance & Language

Neighbours must receive clear notification of each meeting—detailing the date, time, location, and discussion topics—in advance.

Additionally, the notification must list owners who are not current with their payments, since such individuals cannot vote in certain decisions.

In many regions—including Catalonia—these meetings are held in Spanish, which can pose a challenge for non-native speakers. If needed, consider bringing someone to assist or ask the community president for a vocabulary aide or summary of topics.

Voting & Quorum Requirements

Attendance may not always be mandatory, but the consequences of absence certainly are. Decisions made in your absence—such as approving fee increases or upgrades like installing an elevator—could still bind you financially.

Some decisions deemed particularly significant (like energy-efficiency upgrades, restrictions on tourist rentals, or rental of common areas) require a qualified majority—typically a three-fifths or one-third vote—depending on the regulation.

If you can’t attend, you’ll still have a chance to influence the outcome: you have 30 days to cast your vote afterward. If you don’t respond, your vote will be allocated in favor of the majority decision.

Delegation & Remote Participation

If you don’t reside in the property or can’t attend in person, you’re entitled to appoint someone as your legal or voluntary representative. You’ll just need to provide a signed authorization identifying both parties and the relevant properties; this also must explicitly permit the representative to attend and vote.

Some communities may even allow online participation via videoconference, but this requires the consent of all homeowners—and it’s not always standard practice.

What If No Meeting Is Called?

Should the community fail to convene a meeting when you believe it’s necessary, you have the right to contact the community president and request that one be scheduled. This is especially crucial if there are pressing matters requiring consensus.

Why This Matters to You

Understanding how comunidad meetings operate empowers you to protect your rights, avoid unexpected obligations, and exercise your voice in shared living arrangements. Whether it’s approving budgets, participating in decisions that affect your finances, or ensuring local rules suit your circumstances—active involvement is essential.

At SGM Abogados, we’re here to guide you through these processes, from interpreting legal notices to formalizing a proxy or advocating for fair representation in your community. Feel free to reach out if you’d like tailored advice or support navigating these assemblies with confidence.