Co-ownership checks before buying
An outdoor space in a co-owned building is judged on documents. Here is the list to ask for, what each tells the buyer and the warning signs to look for.
At a glance
Seven documents are enough to judge the health of a co-ownership and the fate of an outdoor space: the co-ownership rules, the division description, the minutes of the last three general meetings, the maintenance log, the summary sheet, the budget and charges, and the multi-year works plan. The seller or the agency supplies them; the notary refers to them in the preliminary contract.
The documents to ask for
| Document | What it tells you about the outdoor space |
|---|---|
| Co-ownership rules and division description | Status of the terrace, balcony or garden, exclusive right of use, how upkeep is shared, banned uses |
| Minutes of the last three general meetings | Works voted or refused, disputes, leaks, facade renovation, waterproofing |
| Maintenance log | Dates of roof, facade and waterproofing works, guarantees still running |
| Summary sheet of the co-ownership | Number of lots, budget, unpaid charges, proceedings, whether a works fund exists |
| Budget and charges for the last two years | Annual weight of the lot’s charges, works provisions |
| Multi-year works plan or global technical diagnostic | Works expected over ten years, including roof, facade and terraces |
| Dated statement, supplied at the sale | Sums owed by the seller, voted works not yet paid |
What to look for
Works already voted. A facade renovation or a waterproofing repair voted before the sale is paid as the deed sets out: by the seller or the buyer. Have the split written into the preliminary contract.
Leaks. A terrace or balcony that leaks damages the lot below. The minutes record claims made and expert reports.
The works fund. Co-ownerships must build a works fund fed by an annual contribution of at least 5% of the budget. Its amount shows whether the building sets money aside for big expenses.
The multi-year works plan. The law requires it for co-owned buildings more than fifteen years old. It lists the works needed over ten years, with an estimate.
Unpaid charges. A high rate of arrears strains cash flow and delays works.
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Frequently asked questions
Who must give me the co-ownership documents?
The seller, through the notary or the agency. The preliminary contract must contain the information on the co-ownership. Ask for the documents before making an offer, because they bear on the price.
What if the terrace is not mentioned in the rules?
Ask the notary and the managing agent. Silence is not a right: ask the seller for the title that gives them the use, and have it written into the preliminary contract.
Do I pay for a facade renovation voted before the sale?
It is settled in the preliminary contract. Have it stated in writing who bears the works voted before the sale, and check with the notary before signing.
What should I read in general meeting minutes?
The resolutions on works, budgets, disputes and claims. Read those about the roof, the facade, the terraces and the balconies.
Is the multi-year works plan compulsory?
Yes, for co-owned buildings more than fifteen years old, on a timetable staggered by size of co-ownership. Ask for it: if none exists, ask why.
Can I visit the common parts?
Yes, you can ask to see the roof, the courtyard and the cellars. Look at the state of the facade and railings from the street and from inside.
Updated 14 October 2026. Sources: law of 10 July 1965, Légifrance, ANIL, balconies and terraces in co-ownership.
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Related reading
Other areas
Same group: luxury-real-estate-paris.com (luxury properties in Paris) deferla.com (the agency network, valuations and buying) choisirsonagence14e.com (how to choose an agency in the 14th).