{"id":12238,"date":"2026-07-16T16:09:36","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T14:09:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/?p=12238"},"modified":"2026-05-12T16:09:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T14:09:36","slug":"individual-ownership-sole-property-within-a-condominium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/en\/individual-ownership-sole-property-within-a-condominium\/","title":{"rendered":"Individual ownership \u2013 sole property within a condominium"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"font-weight: bold\">\r\n\tSeparate property (Sondereigentum) is the sole ownership of an apartment or non-residential rooms within a homeowners&#8217; association (WEG). It is established by the declaration of division (Teilungserkl\u00e4rung), entered into the land registry (Grundbuch), and is always linked to a co-ownership share in the common property (Gemeinschaftseigentum). \r\n<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"font-weight: bold\">\r\n\tSeparate property typically includes the interior spaces of the apartment, including non-bearing partition walls, floor coverings, interior doors, and sanitary facilities \u2013 but not the windows, exterior walls, roof, or load-bearing structural elements. \r\n<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"font-weight: bold\">\r\n\tYou alone pay for the maintenance of your separate property, while the community pays for the common property in proportion to their co-ownership shares. The precise boundary between separate property and common property therefore directly determines who bears which costs \u2013 making it one of the most frequent points of contention in homeowners&#8217; associations.\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>What is Separate Property? Definition and Legal Classification<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe definition of separate property can be found in Sections 3 and 5 of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/woeigg\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">German Condominium Act (WEG)<\/a>. Separate property under the WEG is the &#8220;true&#8221;, sole ownership of a specific apartment (referred to as residential property\/Wohnungseigentum) or of rooms not used for residential purposes, such as shops, offices, or garages (referred to as non-residential property\/Teileigentum). \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tSimply explained, separate property means: within a building owned jointly by several people, a clearly defined part belongs entirely to you alone.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tWithout the WEG, this would not be possible at all. According to Sections 93 and 94 of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/bgb\/__93.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">German Civil Code (BGB)<\/a>, the general rule is: essential components of a building cannot be the subject of separate rights \u2013 a house as a whole belongs to the owner of the plot of land. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe Condominium Act of 1951 breaks with this principle and allows for the establishment of true sole ownership of individual rooms. Anyone wondering what separate property means in relation to a condominium gets the answer here: the condominium unit itself is the separate property, combined with a co-ownership share in the common property (the land, building envelope, stairwell, etc.).\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>The Three Building Blocks of Condominium Ownership<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tLegally, condominium ownership always consists of three inseparably linked elements:\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<ol>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tthe separate property of the apartment or specific rooms,\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tthe co-ownership share in the common property (usually expressed in thousandths or ten-thousandths), and\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tthe membership right in the homeowners&#8217; association, including voting rights at the owners&#8217; meeting.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/ol>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tTherefore, you cannot sell the separate property of your apartment without its associated co-ownership share \u2013 both form a legal entity that is kept as a whole in the land registry (condominium land register).\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>What Does Separate Property Mean in Practice?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tWithin your separate property, you are generally free to do as you please: renovate, paint walls, replace floor coverings, modernize the bathroom, rent it out, or sell it \u2013 without having to ask the other owners. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe limit is reached where common property is affected or where other owners are disadvantaged beyond what is unavoidable (Section 14 WEG). For example, anyone wishing to remove a load-bearing wall inside the apartment is interfering with the common property and requires a resolution from the association.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Separate Property and Common Property: The Boundary<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe distinction between separate property and common property is derived from Section 5 WEG. Separate property includes the rooms assigned in the declaration of division as well as the components of the building belonging to these rooms that can be altered, removed, or installed without impairing the common property or the separate property of others, or altering the external appearance of the building.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tOn the other hand, all parts of the building that are essential for its existence or safety, as well as installations and facilities intended for joint use, are mandatorily common property \u2013 even if they are physically located inside an individual apartment. A declaration of division cannot validly declare such structural elements to be separate property; any such clauses are null and void.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>What Belongs to Separate Property? Examples<\/h3>\r\n\t<ul>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tnon-bearing interior partition walls within the apartment\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tinterior doors including frames\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tfloor coverings such as parquet, tiles, laminate, or carpet (but not the screed, see below)\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\twall and ceiling plaster, as well as wallpaper and paint inside the rooms\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tsanitary fixtures such as bathtubs, showers, toilets, and sinks\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tfitted kitchen and built-in furniture\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tpipes and wiring for water, sewage, and electricity from the point where they exclusively serve your own apartment\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tdepending on the declaration of division: basement room, garage, or parking space assigned as separate property\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/ul>\r\n\t<h3>What is Mandatorily Common Property?<\/h3>\r\n\t<ul>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tthe plot of land including garden areas and access paths\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tload-bearing walls, ceilings (raw concrete ceilings), foundations, and the roof including skylights\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tthe facade, exterior walls, and thermal insulation\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\twindows including frames and exterior paint, and generally the apartment entrance door\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tstairwell, elevator, hallway, laundry room, and other common rooms\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tcentral heating system, risers, downpipes, and joint utility lines up to the first shut-off valve inside the apartment\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tthe structural elements of balconies (floor slab, parapet, insulation layer)\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/ul>\r\n\t<h3>Separate Property \/ Common Property: List of Key Structural Elements<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe following table summarizes which elements are usually separate property and which are common property. The individual case is always decisive, in particular the declaration of division \u2013 provided it does not violate mandatory law.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<div class=\"mri-table-overflow\">\r\n\t\t<table>\r\n\t\t\t<thead>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tComponent \/ System\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tStandard Case\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNote\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t<\/thead>\r\n\t\t\t<tbody>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Interior doors, interior plaster, wallpaper<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Separate property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Can be freely designed by the apartment owner<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Floor covering (parquet, tiles, carpet)<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Separate property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Replacement permitted, impact noise protection must be observed<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Screed<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Part of the floor slab or sound insulation; whether screed is common or separate property is predominantly answered in favor of common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Windows including frames<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Mandatory, Federal Court of Justice (BGH) case law (V ZR 174\/11)<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Roller shutters, blinds (exterior)<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Shape the external appearance; internal strap disputed, usually separate property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Apartment entrance door<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>BGH V ZR 212\/12; interior painting is separate property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Balcony (floor slab, parapet, waterproofing)<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Only the interior air space and, if applicable, the balcony floor covering are separate property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Radiators and thermostat valves<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Depending on the declaration of division<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Can be allocated to separate property via the declaration of division (BGH V ZR 176\/10)<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Central heating, rising mains<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Serves the joint use of the community<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Floor heating \/ Gas boiler in the apartment<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Separate property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Serves only the owner&#8217;s unit<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Pipes from the branch into the apartment<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Separate property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>From the first shut-off valve or from the branch off the joint main pipe<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Shut-off valve at the transfer point<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>The shut-off valve of the water pipe often marks the boundary; details are disputed<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Fuse box (sub-distribution board) in the apartment<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Separate property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Main distribution board and risers are common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Water meters \/ Heat meters<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Predominantly common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Meters serve the joint billing of consumption<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Smoke detectors<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Disputed; often common property in case of uniform equipment<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>State building regulations and resolutions must be observed<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Skylights<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Part of the roof and building envelope<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Awning, outdoor antenna, satellite dish<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Structural change to common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Installation generally requires a resolution from the association<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Conservatory (Winter garden)<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Structure: Common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Alters the external appearance; interior space can be separate property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t<\/tbody>\r\n\t\t<\/table>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Declaration of Division, Land Registry, and Partition Plan<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tSeparate property does not arise automatically, but through the declaration of division (Section 8 WEG) or through contractual granting among co-owners (Section 3 WEG). The declaration of division defines which rooms belong to which unit, how large the co-ownership shares are, and which special use rights exist. The attached partition plan \u2013 a blueprint stamped by the building authority \u2013 visually shows the boundary of the units; all rooms of the same unit bear the same number.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tA separate condominium or non-residential land registry sheet is created for each unit. Separate property and the land registry are thus inseparably linked: separate property only comes into legal existence once it is registered. If you have a legitimate interest, you can inspect the declaration of division and the land register at the land registry office of the responsible local court; this is based on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/gbo\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">German Land Register Act (GBO)<\/a>.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tWhen buying an apartment, you should always read the declaration of division completely. It answers questions such as: Is the basement room separate property or is there only a special use right? Are the roller shutters assigned to the separate property in the declaration of division? Does the declaration of division contain a cost regulation for windows? Such cost shifting is legally permissible, even if the structural element itself mandatorily remains common property.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Separate Property, Non-Residential Property, and Special Use Rights: The Differences<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThree terms are constantly confused in everyday life: separate property (Sondereigentum), non-residential property (Teileigentum), and special use rights (Sondernutzungsrecht). Legally, they are worlds apart \u2013 especially when it comes to sales, financing, and costs.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Separate Property vs. Non-Residential Property<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe difference between separate property and non-residential property is purely conceptual and functional: both are true sole ownership under the WEG. If the unit is used for residential purposes, the law speaks of residential property (Wohnungseigentum); if it is not used for residential purposes (shop, practice, office, garage), it is called non-residential property (Teileigentum) (Section 1, Paragraph 3 WEG). \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tTherefore, whether a garage is non-residential property or separate property is not an either-or question: a garage designated as an independent unit is non-residential property \u2013 and non-residential property is a form of separate property for rooms not used for residential purposes.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Difference Between Separate Property and Special Use Rights<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tIn contrast, the difference between separate property and special use rights is fundamental. A special use right (Sondernutzungsrecht) is not ownership, but merely the right to exclusively use an area of the common property \u2013 typically garden areas, outdoor parking spaces, or basement compartments. The area remains common property; the other owners are merely excluded from using it.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<div class=\"mri-table-overflow\">\r\n\t\t<table>\r\n\t\t\t<thead>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCriterion\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSeparate Property\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSpecial Use Right\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t<\/thead>\r\n\t\t\t<tbody>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Legal Nature<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>True sole ownership<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Right of use on common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Registration<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Separate land registry sheet<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Agreement, noted in the land registry as part of the separate property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Separate Sale<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Possible if it is an independent unit (e.g., garage as non-residential property)<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Only transferable to other owners of the same association, not to third parties<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Bank Financing<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Yes<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>No, only indirectly through the apartment<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Structural Changes<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Free within the boundaries of Sections 13 and 14 WEG<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Only with permission of the association, as it is common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Maintenance Costs<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Borne solely by the separate property owner<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Generally borne by the association, but often imposed on the beneficiary via agreement<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Typical Examples<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Apartment, basement, garage, parking space<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Garden area, outdoor parking space, terrace area<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t<\/tbody>\r\n\t\t<\/table>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t<h3>Converting a Special Use Right into Separate Property<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tA special use right can be converted into separate property if the area is eligible for separate property. Since the WEG reform of 2020 (Act on the Modernization of Condominium Ownership, information available at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmj.de\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Federal Ministry of Justice<\/a>), parking spaces and \u2013 as so-called annex property (Annexeigentum) \u2013 open spaces such as terraces or garden shares can also be assigned to separate property (Section 3, Paragraph 1 Sentence 2, Paragraph 2 WEG). \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThis requires the consent of all owners, a notarized amendment of the declaration of division, the consent of the mortgage creditors if applicable, and registration in the land register. The same applies to the conversion of common property into separate property, for example, if a previously shared attic space is to be added to an apartment. The reverse path \u2013 transferring separate property into common property \u2013 is also only possible with the consent of all parties involved.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Disputes from A to Z: Windows, Balconies, Radiators, and Co.<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tMost conflicts in homeowners&#8217; associations revolve around whether a specific structural element is separate property or common property. An overview of the most important cases.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Are Windows Separate Property or Common Property?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tWindows including their frames are mandatorily common property \u2013 according to the Federal Court of Justice in its landmark ruling of March 2, 2012 (Case No. V ZR 174\/11, available via the decision database of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bundesgerichtshof.de\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Federal Court of Justice<\/a>). This applies even if the declaration of division assigns the windows to separate property; such a clause is invalid. The reason: windows shape the external appearance of the building and are part of the building envelope. The question of whether windows in an apartment building are separate property must therefore be clearly answered in the negative.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tIt is crucial to distinguish between ownership and cost-bearing: the declaration of division can validly impose the costs for maintenance and replacement of windows on the individual apartment owners. If the declaration of division states that windows &#8220;belong to separate property&#8221; and the owner must maintain them, this is frequently interpreted as such a cost allocation rule. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tOnly the interior paint of the windows is true separate property. The same applies to balcony doors as to windows: they are common property \u2013 only the interior paint and, according to popular opinion, the interior handle of a terrace door are assigned to separate property, because they can be replaced without interfering with the building structure.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Is the Balcony Separate Property?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tFor balconies, a split applies: the structural parts and those shaping the external appearance \u2013 the floor slab, parapet, railing, insulation, waterproofing layer, and the balcony drain \u2013 are common property. Separate property only covers the air space of the balcony and, as a rule, the walk-on balcony floor covering (such as tiles or slabs). \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tTherefore, the answer to the question of whether balconies are separate property or common property is: both, depending on the component. The declaration of division often assigns the balcony to the separate property of the respective apartment; this is permissible, but only covers the parts eligible for separate property.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tRegarding the maintenance of a balcony in separate property, this means: cracks in the floor slab, leaking waterproofing, or a corroded railing are repaired by the association at the expense of all owners. You pay for renewing the floor covering yourself. The same applies to terraces and roof terraces: the waterproofing level of the roof terrace is common property as part of the roof, and the maintenance of the terrace in separate property is limited to floor coverings and installations above the waterproofing.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Are Radiators Separate Property?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tFor radiators, it depends on the declaration of division. The BGH decided (ruling of July 8, 2011, Case No. V ZR 176\/10) that radiators and the associated pipes up to the connection to the central heating system, as well as thermostat valves, can be allocated to separate property by the declaration of division \u2013 they are not mandatorily common property. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tIf the declaration of division is silent, radiators are predominantly attributed to common property because they are part of the central heating system. The question of whether radiators are separate or common property can therefore only be answered by looking at the declaration of division. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tOn the other hand, an individual floor heating system (boiler) that exclusively serves your own apartment is regularly separate property. In the case of underfloor heating, the heating coils laid in the apartment and the valves are eligible for separate property according to common opinion, but the screed above them remains common property \u2013 a detail that has major practical significance in the event of leaks.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Roller Shutters, Blinds, and Awnings<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tWhether roller shutters are separate or common property is answered similarly to windows: the externally visible shutter profile, guide rails, and roller shutter box shape the facade and are common property. Interior control elements, such as the roller shutter strap or an electric motor with a switch, are usually attributed to separate property. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tIf the declaration of division contains an explicit assignment or cost regulation for roller shutters, this takes precedence as long as it is legally permissible. Interior blinds are unproblematically separate property. Awnings, on the other hand, are retrofitted installations: their attachment to the facade is a structural change to the common property and requires an authorization resolution.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Apartment Entrance Door and Interior Doors<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tFollowing the BGH decision of October 25, 2013 (Case No. V ZR 212\/12), the apartment entrance door (the door leading to the stairwell) is entirely common property because it physically forms the boundary between common and separate property and shapes the appearance of the stairwell. Only the paint on the inside of the apartment is separate property. An unauthorized replacement of the door \u2013 for instance, with a security door of a different color \u2013 is therefore impermissible. In contrast, all interior doors within the apartment are pure separate property.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Which Pipes and Wiring Belong to Separate Property?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tFor pipes and wiring, there is a rule of thumb: everything that serves multiple units is common property \u2013 everything that exclusively serves your apartment from the branch point onward can be separate property. Rising mains, downpipes, and main distribution lines for water, sewage, heating, and electricity are therefore common property, even if the pipes run inside the walls of your apartment. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tSewage pipes or drainpipes, according to BGH case law, only become separate property from the point where they have passed the first shut-off or disconnection point behind the joint main; the main vertical drops always remain common property.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tFor drinking water, the shut-off valve of the water pipe often marks the boundary: whether the shut-off valve itself is separate or common property is disputed; predominantly, shut-off valves at the transfer point are still classified as common property because they serve the system as a whole. The water pipe behind it, which only serves your apartment, is separate property. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tFor the electrical installation of the condominium, the following applies: power lines from the apartment sub-distribution board (fuse box inside the apartment) are separate property; the main house connection, risers, and main distribution board are common property. The fuse box inside the apartment itself is mostly classified as separate property, whereas the central meter cabinet is not. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tWater meters and heat meters serve the joint billing of consumption and are therefore \u2013 just like centrally procured smoke detectors \u2013 frequently assigned to the common property or the administrative responsibility of the association; here, it is worth looking at the declaration of division and the resolutions.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Basement: Separate Property or Common Property \u2013 and What is Allowed?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tA basement room can be assigned as separate property in the declaration of division of the apartment (in which case it appears in the partition plan with the same number as the apartment), or there may only be a special use right to a basement compartment. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tIn a basement that is separate property, anything is allowed that does not use the room contrary to its purpose and does not affect others: storage, installing shelves, setting up a workbench. Converting the room into living space, connecting it to the heating system, or interfering with joint installations running through the basement are not permitted without further authorization. The designated purpose defined in the declaration of division (&#8220;basement&#8221;, &#8220;hobby room&#8221;) is binding.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Garage, Parking Space, and Underground Garage as Separate Property<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tA garage can be legally structured in various ways: as an independent non-residential property with its own land registry sheet, as separate property assigned to an apartment, or as a mere special use right to a common area. Which variant applies is determined by the declaration of division and the land register \u2013 so looking at the land register is twice as valuable for garages.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tSince the WEG reform of 2020, parking spaces are deemed rooms by law (Section 3, Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 WEG) and are therefore eligible for separate property \u2013 this applies to underground parking spaces, double stackers (duplex spaces), and since then, also to outdoor parking spaces. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tBefore the reform, underground parking spaces could only be separate property if they were bounded by permanent markings; outdoor spaces were not eligible for separate property at all, which is why special use rights mostly exist here to this day. Whether a parking space is separate property or a special use right decides on its sellability and eligibility for mortgage financing.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Sale, Maintenance, and the Garage Door<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tYou can sell a garage that is separate property or non-residential property with its own land registry sheet separately \u2013 depending on the community rules, even to third parties outside the association; some declarations of division restrict the sale of the garage to other apartment owners. In contrast, a special use right to a parking space can only be transferred within the community.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tFor the maintenance of a garage in separate property, the usual separation applies: the floor slab, walls, and roof of the garage are structural parts and are common property, the repair of which is the responsibility of the association. The garage door \u2013 similar to the apartment entrance door \u2013 is predominantly attributed to common property because it shapes the external appearance; however, the declaration of division can impose the costs of maintenance and repair of the garage door on the respective owner. Electric drives and remote controls retrofitted for only one unit are separate property.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Garden and Terrace: Separate Property, Special Use Rights, and Property Tax<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe classic garden case: until 2020, land plots could not be separate property at all \u2013 the garden was always common property, over which at most a special use right existed. Since the WEG reform, a garden share can be declared separate property as annex property (Annexeigentum) to an apartment, provided the apartment economically remains the main property (Section 3, Paragraph 2 WEG). In existing developments, however, &#8220;garden as separate property&#8221; remains the exception; it is usually a special use right to the garden, which is common property.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Garden as Separate Property: What is Allowed?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tWhat is allowed in the garden depends on the legal classification:\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<ul>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tUnder a special use right, gardening, flowerbeds, mobile furniture, and normal usage are permitted. Structural changes \u2013 a garden shed, paved terrace, fixed pool, high hedges for privacy \u2013 require a resolution from the association because they alter the common property.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tIn the case of true separate garden property (annex property), you have more freedom but remain bound by Section 14 WEG, the community rules, and public building regulations; a structural change in the garden separate property that alters the external appearance of the development may still require approval.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/ul>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tFor property tax (Grundsteuer), the following applies: for condominium ownership, the entire economic unit \u2013 separate property plus the co-ownership share in the plot of land including garden areas \u2013 is assessed. A special use right to the garden does not increase the co-ownership share; the shares entered in the land register are decisive. Questions about valuation can be answered by your responsible tax office; general information is provided by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bundesfinanzministerium.de\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Federal Ministry of Finance<\/a>.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Maintenance and Costs: Who Pays for What?<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe cost consequences are the real reason why the boundary is so important. The basic principle from Section 16 WEG:\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<ul>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tCosts for separate property are borne solely by the respective owner \u2013 from a dripping faucet to a bathroom renovation.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tCosts for common property are borne by the community, distributed according to co-ownership shares (MEA), unless a deviating distribution has been agreed or resolved.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/ul>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tSince the WEG reform, the association can specify a deviating allocation key for individual cost types or in specific cases by majority vote (Section 16, Paragraph 2 Sentence 2 WEG) \u2013 for instance, imposing window costs on the respective owner.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Example Calculation 1: Window Replacement<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tIn an association with 10 units, all 30 windows are replaced, total cost \u20ac90,000. Your apartment has a 120\/1,000 co-ownership share and has 4 windows.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<div class=\"mri-table-overflow\">\r\n\t\t<table>\r\n\t\t\t<thead>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAllocation Variant\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCalculation Method\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYour Share\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t<\/thead>\r\n\t\t\t<tbody>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Statutory key according to co-ownership shares (MEA)<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>\u20ac90,000 \u00d7 120\/1,000<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>\u20ac10,800<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Resolution: Costs per window (object-related)<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>\u20ac90,000 \u00f7 30 windows \u00d7 4 windows<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>\u20ac12,000<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Declaration of division: everyone pays for &#8220;their&#8221; windows themselves<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>4 windows \u00d7 \u20ac3,000<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>\u20ac12,000, but commissioning is done by the association, as it is common property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t<\/tbody>\r\n\t\t<\/table>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tNote: Even if you bear the costs alone, replacing windows remains a measure on the common property \u2013 you are not allowed to install new windows on your own authority.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Example Calculation 2: Balcony Renovation<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe waterproofing of your balcony is leaking; the renovation costs \u20ac8,000, of which \u20ac1,200 is for the new tile covering. Since the floor slab and waterproofing are common property, the association pays the \u20ac6,800 for the structural repair according to MEA (at 120\/1,000, this is \u20ac816 for you). \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tYou pay the \u20ac1,200 for the floor covering as your separate property alone \u2013 unless the destruction of the covering was an unavoidable consequence of repairing the common property; in that case, the association must cover the floor covering as part of the restoration. Total cost for you depending on the situation: between \u20ac816 and \u20ac2,016.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Water Damage in Separate Property: Processing, Responsibility, Insurance<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tWater damage in a condominium is the practical case where all boundary issues converge. Two questions are crucial: Where is the cause of the damage located \u2013 in the separate property or in the common property? And what is damaged?\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Who Pays in the Event of Water Damage in Separate Property?<\/h3>\r\n\t<div class=\"mri-table-overflow\">\r\n\t\t<table>\r\n\t\t\t<thead>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSituation\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tResponsibility for the Cause\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<th>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tResponsibility for Consequential Damage\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/th>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t<\/thead>\r\n\t\t\t<tbody>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Riser pipe (common property) leaks, damage in separate property<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Repair by the association<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Building insurance of the association; without insurance and without fault, each owner generally bears damage to their separate property themselves<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Pipe in separate property leaks, damage only in own apartment<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Owner<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Residential building insurance (tap water), otherwise the owner<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Damage originating from neighbor&#8217;s separate property (e.g., overflowed tub)<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Neighbor<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>If negligent, their private liability insurance; otherwise building insurance; no-fault compensation according to Section 906 Paragraph 2 BGB analogously possible<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t<tr>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Washing machine hose bursts, water runs into the stairwell<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Owner\/Instigator<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<td>Building insurance for the common property, recourse in case of negligence<\/td>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\r\n\t\t\t<\/tbody>\r\n\t\t<\/table>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tImportant for damage to separate property caused by common property: the association is not automatically liable for damage to your separate property caused by a defective joint system. A claim for damages requires fault \u2013 for example, if the management or the association neglected their duty to repair a known leaking riser (Section 280 BGB). Without fault, you must rely on the residential building insurance.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Residential Building Insurance and Separate Property<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe combined residential building insurance of the association insures the entire building \u2013 common property and separate property, including permanently installed components such as floor coverings, built-in kitchens (depending on policy terms), and sanitary fixtures. In the event of tap water damage in separate property, the association&#8217;s building insurance is regularly obligated to cover the damage, not your household contents insurance; the latter only covers movable items. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tCheck the insurance policy: some policies contain deductibles, the distribution of which within the association has been clarified by the BGH \u2013 the deductible is to be distributed like a common loss according to the general cost allocation key, even if only separate property is affected. Independent information on building insurance for condominiums is provided by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verbraucherzentrale.de\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Consumer Advice Center (Verbraucherzentrale)<\/a>.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Processing a Water Damage in Separate Property \u2013 Step by Step<\/h3>\r\n\t<ol>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tImmediate measures: close the shut-off valve, switch off the electricity in the affected area, document the damage (photos, date).\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tInform the management \u2013 they report the damage to the association&#8217;s building insurance and, for causes in the common property, commission leak detection and repair.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tHave the cause clarified: leak detection determines responsibility (separate property or common property).\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tCoordinate drying and restoration; keep invoices and payment flows cleanly separated (association account vs. own account).\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tIn case of disputes over fault or cost allocation: check the status of resolutions, seek legal advice if necessary; claims generally lapse after three years.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/ol>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Structural Changes: Photovoltaics, Heat Pumps, Antennas<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tA structural change to separate property without the consent of the other owners is permitted as long as it takes place entirely within the separate property and does not affect the common property or other owners beyond an acceptable level: renovating a bathroom, moving interior (non-bearing) walls, replacing flooring. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tAs soon as the measure touches the common property or alters the external appearance, a resolution according to Section 20 WEG is required \u2013 even if the area is subject to your special use right.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tFor some measures, Section 20, Paragraph 2 WEG has granted a right to permission since 2020 (&#8220;privileged measures&#8221;), including charging options for e-cars, burglary protection, and \u2013 since the 2024 amendment \u2013 also plug-in solar devices (balcony power plants). However, the association decides &#8220;how&#8221; it is executed:\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<ul>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tPhotovoltaics on separate property: the roof is common property \u2013 a PV system there always requires a resolution. A balcony power plant on your separate property&#8217;s balcony is privileged as a plug-in solar device; you have a right to permission, but the association determines the execution.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tHeat pump on separate property or special use area: installation in the garden or on the facade affects common property and requires a resolution; noise protection and distance areas of state law must also be considered.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tAntenna and satellite dish: mounting on the facade or roof is a structural change. For antennas inside separate property \u2013 for instance, mobile on the balcony without interfering with the structure \u2013 case law is more generous. According to Section 21 WEG, the costs of an authorized antenna are borne by the owner who requested the measure; the same applies to follow-up costs.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/ul>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tBasic rule of Section 21 WEG: whoever implements a structural change pays for it \u2013 costs and benefits follow the initiation, unless qualified majorities resolve an allocation to all.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Management of Separate Property<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe association&#8217;s management (Gemeinschaftsverwaltung) looks after the common property exclusively. The management of your separate property \u2013 i.e., your individual apartment \u2013 is your own responsibility. If you rent out the apartment, you can commission a separate property management (Sondereigentumsverwaltung &#8211; SEV): they handle tenant searches, rent collection, service charge billing for the tenant, minor repairs in the separate property, and communication with the main association management. Frequently, but not mandatorily, separate property management is in the same hands as the main association management.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tThe ongoing costs for separate property management are typically between \u20ac20 and \u20ac40 per unit per month, or 4 to 6 percent of the net cold rent \u2013 varying regionally, whether in Offenbach, Augsburg, Bremen, or Munich. \r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tSpecialized software for separate property management helps with billing and documentation, but does not replace clear contractual boundaries: specify in the management contract what services the SEV performs and where the responsibility of the association&#8217;s management begins.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Overview of Ongoing Costs of Separate Property<\/h3>\r\n\t<ul>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tMaintenance inside the apartment (sanitary, electrical from sub-distribution board, interior doors, floor coverings)\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tproportional condominium fee (Hausgeld) for the common property including contributions to the maintenance reserve\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tcosts transferred via the declaration of division (e.g., windows, roller shutters, garage door), if applicable\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tinsurance: share of the residential building insurance via the condominium fee, own household contents insurance, and potentially own house and land owner&#8217;s liability insurance\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tproperty tax for the economic unit of the condominium ownership\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/ul>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Buying and Selling Separate Property: What Matters<\/h2>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tYou sell separate property just like any real estate right through a notarized contract and transfer in the land register. Some special features:\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<ul>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tThe unit is always sold as a whole: separate property plus co-ownership share plus assigned special use rights. A special use right alone can only be transferred within the association.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tA garage with its own non-residential land registry sheet can be sold separately; check transfer restrictions in the declaration of division (Section 12 WEG: consent of the property manager may be required).\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tIn addition to the declaration of division and land register, buyers should review the latest minutes of the owners&#8217; meetings, the annual statements, the economic plan, and the amount of the maintenance reserve \u2013 a freshly renovated separate property is of little use if there is a backlog of repairs on the common property.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t\t<li>\r\n\t\t\tSince the WEG reform, the association of apartment owners has full legal capacity; it asserts claims relating to the common property itself.\r\n\t\t<\/li>\r\n\t<\/ul>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tA special case is separate property of a house: in terraced house or semi-detached house developments, each house is often structured as separate property (condominium) with a special use right to the surrounding garden area. Legally, you are then a condominium owner with all obligations to the association \u2013 even if the property feels like a classic single-family house: the roof and facade of &#8220;your&#8221; house are common property, and the association decides on their renovation.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<section>\r\n\t<h2>Frequently Asked Questions on Separate Property<\/h2>\r\n\t<h3>What is separate property \u2013 in one sentence?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tSeparate property is the sole ownership of an apartment or specific rooms within a homeowners&#8217; association registered in the land registry, inseparably linked to a co-ownership share in the common property.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>What does separate property mean in real estate listings?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tIf an advertisement states &#8220;garden as separate property&#8221; or &#8220;parking space in separate property&#8221;, you should verify this with the declaration of division and the land register \u2013 often only a special use right is actually meant. The difference affects value, financing, and your freedom of design.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Are windows, balconies, and radiators separate property?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tWindows: no, mandatorily common property (only the interior paint is separate property). Balcony: split \u2013 structure and waterproofing are common property, interior air space and floor covering are separate property. Radiators: depending on the declaration of division; without a rule, predominantly common property as part of the central heating.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Who pays for damage to separate property?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tBasically, the separate property owner themselves or the association&#8217;s building insurance for covered risks. The association is only liable if at fault, such as delayed maintenance of the common property.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n\t<h3>Where can I find the applicable regulations?<\/h3>\r\n\t<p>\r\n\t\tIn the German Condominium Act (Wohnungseigentumsgesetz), in particular Sections 1, 3, 5, 13, 14, 16, 20, and 21 WEG, available free of charge in full text at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/woeigg\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">gesetze-im-internet.de<\/a>. Decisions of the Federal Court of Justice \u2013 such as on radiators and thermostat valves or on windows \u2013 can be found in the decision database at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bundesgerichtshof.de\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">bundesgerichtshof.de<\/a>.\r\n\t<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Separate property (Sondereigentum) is the sole ownership of an apartment or non-residential rooms within a homeowners&#8217; association (WEG). It is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":12245,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/?p=12233","footnotes":""},"categories":[175],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-12238","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-property-management","en-US"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12238","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12238"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12238\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12244,"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12238\/revisions\/12244"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12245"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12238"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12238"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12238"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meine-renditeimmobilie.de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=12238"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}