Since the major and beneficial changes in Cyprus property law, complex resident committees are now a legal obligation. To this end, we receive a steady flow of enquiries concerning whether and how individuals might become committee members. In this article, we explore who is entitled, how the process works and, most importantly, what a committee member’s responsibilities are.
Assuming that your owners have already formed a committee in line with Cyprus property law, the way is technically open for anyone to aspire to a position on that committee. Members are usually “voted in” at the AGM (annual general meeting) or an extraordinary general meeting should it prove necessary to call one.
Who can qualify as a member?
To qualify as a potential committee member you would first need to be the owner of an apartment or villa within the complex as simply being a resident there is not a qualification in itself. Furthermore, any current and outstanding communal fees must be paid up to date, according to the law non-fee paying property owners are not entitled to vote at the AGM and other official meetings.
Canvassing for votes
Bearing in mind that any committee members are voted in, it would be prudent for any interested party to firstly make their intention known to as many relevant people as possible. Any votes in a candidate’s favour will be coming from other owners of properties and they are more likely to vote you in if they feel that you will act responsibly on their behalf.
One prominent feature of Cyprus property ownership is that many owners live outside the country. This is now more pertinent than ever since the UK’s exit from the European Union. Therefore, voting by proxy is likely to involve a sizable proportion of the complex’s owners. A brief communication outlining your intent is likely to both advise them of their need to vote while also increasing your chances of success.
The voting in of committee members
Once your application to stand for election as a member has been agreed upon by the committee, a vote will be taken at the next AGM or an extraordinary general meeting if necessary. The good news is that committee life is not everyone’s number one choice and in many cases owners will be more than happy to vote you in if it means less responsibility for them. Add to that the large numbers of owners that reside outside of the country and the odds of success are likely to be stacked in your favour.
Recognising your responsibilities
Anyone intending to put themselves forward for committee membership should be aware that it comes with very real responsibilities.
Now that complex committees are recognised legal entities under Cyprus law, members should note that they are named on a binding document. That means that as representatives of the committee, they are ultimately responsible and culpable in the event of a claim. For this reason, if no other, liability insurance should be a top concern for any committee and its officers.
Staying on the right track
By employing a professional complex management service, you will be taking the important steps needed to minimise your exposure to risks. These could be financial, legal or even health and safety-related.
Lee Property Services provide a comprehensive range of services that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of your complex committee. We have partnered with the leading legal and financial teams in the area. This will ensure that you receive the best possible advice and guidance in all aspects of committee operation and the day-to-day running of your complex.
Talk to Lee Property Services now on 23831194 and let us take the headaches out of complex management.
