Spese Condominiali (Condominium Fees)

The periodic expenses shared by condo owners to manage and maintain the common parts of a condominium. These spese are typically divided in ordinary vs extraordinary. Ordinary expenses include routine cleaning of common areas, gardening, minor repairs, electricity for stairwell lights, elevator maintenance, administrator’s fee, insurance, heating fuel (if central heating), etc. Extraordinary expenses are one-off costs like a new roof, facade restoration, elevator replacement – usually decided by the assembly and often paid via special assessments. Each owner’s share is determined by their millesimi unless specific tables assign differently (for example, elevator costs might be split by floor level table). Spese condominiali are usually billed monthly or quarterly by the amministratore. When buying, it’s wise to ask the amount of monthly condo fees and if any big extraordinary works have been approved (the seller should pay those up to transfer unless agreed otherwise). By law, the seller must provide a certificate of paid condo dues, and the buyer is jointly liable with the seller for the year of sale and prior unpaid condo debts (Civil Code art. 63 disp. att.). Annual ordinary fees can vary widely (€500 to several thousand) depending on building services (doorman, pool, central AC). Not paying condo fees can lead to legal action and an eventual forced sale of the unit, as they are an obligation with high priority. Always factor in spese condominiali when calculating ownership costs.