Recent News

Augut 2009
The Multi-Unit Development Bill was published by the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern and Minister for the Environment John Gormley on Wednesday the 27th May 2009.

The aim of the Bill is to afford purchasers in Apartment Blocks, duplex developments and new housing estates better legal protection.

Key provisions of the proposed Bill include:

• Ownership of common areas in apartment blocks or housing estates is to be transferred from the developer to the Management Company, controlled by purchasers, before any unit is sold.
• The transfer of ownership should occur in a timely fashion where developments are already completed or partially completed.
• Provision for an annual minimum contribution of €200 per unit for a sinking fund to meet any large, unexpected or non-regular costs.
• The provision of mediation to resolve any dispute over service charges or other costs with the provisions for Court proceedings should this avenue be exhausted.
• Provision for voting rights which specify one vote shall attach to each unit owner in a development and that each vote shall be of equal value.
• Matters to be addressed in an Annual Report of the Management Company.
• The provision of House Rules for the effective operation and maintenance of the Multi-Unit Development.
• Provision for an extended period during which a Management Company which may have been struck off the Companies Register to be restored to the Companies Register.