Access to an apartment for work on a common installation under Bulgarian condominium law: documenting refusal and requesting a mayoral order.
Where necessary work on a common installation requires entry into a private apartment, its owner cannot indefinitely obstruct legally required access. A building manager cannot, however, break down the door merely on the strength of an owners’ resolution.
Article 6(1)(12) of the Condominium Management Act requires access for specified activities, including inspections and work on common parts and installations. Establish whether the pipe is actually common, what work is needed and why this particular unit must be entered. A request without a defined purpose, contractor and arrangements creates avoidable disputes.
Where an owners’ resolution authorises the relevant activity and access is refused, Article 54a allows the manager to seek an order from the mayor or an authorised official. The request includes a refusal record signed by the manager and two owners. The authority checks the case; the record itself does not authorise forcible entry.
The order is notified to the affected owner and manager, is open to challenge and is enforced through the administrative procedure. Access rights do not remove the need for reasonable arrangements and documentation of damage caused during the work.
For immediate danger, contact the competent emergency or rescue service as appropriate. This does not mean every inconvenient defect permits private forcible entry.
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This article is for general information only. It does not constitute or replace individual legal advice.