Every individual owning a share in a condominium in Senegal is required to pay condominium fees , in accordance with the condominium's regulations. These expenses can be classified into two categories: general fees and special fees . The former relate to all costs associated with the condominium, while the latter are directly linked to the maintenance of common facilities or shared services. This article aims to clarify the concept of condominium fees in Senegal and their allocation.
What is meant by "Condominium Fees" in Senegal?
Condominium fees in Senegal represent the expenses incurred for the maintenance and proper functioning of the condominium . They are generally decided and voted on at a General Meeting ( GM ). They are also anticipated in the condominium's provisional budget . However, it can happen that certain expenses, not included in the budget, arise. These exceptional expenses, although not budgeted, must be borne by all co-owners for the common good.
What costs are included in the provisional budget of a condominium in Senegal?
Mandatory, essential, and irregular expenses incurred for the maintenance of the condominium and the administration of common areas are classified as current expenses. These current expenses primarily include:
- Condominium management fees : These are the fees paid to the management company for the management of the condominium.
- Remuneration of building maintenance and surveillance staff : The costs for building maintenance and surveillance are included in these charges.
- The cost of minor works and repairs on the building : All minor repairs necessary to maintain the building in good condition are covered by these charges.
- Maintenance of common areas : This includes the maintenance of stairs, elevators, green spaces, swimming pools, etc.
These expenses must be included in the condominium's provisional budget, established by the trustee and approved at the General Meeting by the condominium association.
And what about exceptional expenses?
As their name suggests, exceptional charges are unforeseen and, therefore, not included in the provisional budget . These may be expenses related to major maintenance and improvement work on the building. These unbudgeted expenses are voted on a case-by-case basis at the General Meeting of the co-owners . They may concern:
- Facade renovation work ;
- The expansion of the common areas ;
- Repainting in the common areas ;
- The creation of shared facilities ;
- Roof renovation work ;
- The raising of the building , etc.
It is important to note that all co-owners must pay these charges, even if they are exceptional and outside the provisional budget.
How are expenses distributed in a condominium in Senegal?
In Senegal, condominium fees are divided into general and special charges. Law No. 88-04 of June 16, 1988, concerning the co-ownership of buildings in Senegal, clarifies this distinction, stating that "all co-owners are required to contribute to the expenses incurred by collective services and common equipment based on the benefit these services and equipment provide to each unit."
According to this law, a special charge in a condominium in Senegal is defined according to the criterion of utility. In other words, the allocation of charges depends on their nature and their usefulness to the co-owners.
Special charges in a condominium in Senegal
Special charges elevator maintenance fees are a special charge because they only concern co-owners of units located on the upper floors. Those living on the ground floor do not have to pay elevator maintenance fees since they do not use the elevator. The allocation of special charges therefore depends on the co-owners' use of the shared services and equipment.
General expenses in a condominium in Senegal
General charges, on the other hand, apply to all residents of the building. They include:
- Contributions for mandatory insurance ;
- The trustee's fees ;
- Cleaning of common areas ;
- Garbage removal ;
- Repair or renovation work ;
- The remuneration of maintenance staff , etc.
For the allocation of expenses, if they are general, it is done according to share of the common areas. Thus, the calculation of the expenses to be paid by each person is done proportionally to their ownership shares.
As for the allocation of special charges, it is done by objectively considering the criterion of utility. That is to say, according to the utility that the space or equipment subject to the expense represents for the co-owner.
How are condominium fees voted on in Senegal?
All condominium fees are voted on at the General Meeting of co-owners. It is at this meeting that the provisional budget, which covers all current expenses related to the building, is approved. These expenses are then divided into general and special charges. However, there are exceptional charges that are not included in the provisional budget approved at the General Meeting. These expenses are approved at the same time as the work they are intended to finance.
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