Heatwave episodes are increasing and, with them, the need for air conditioning, including in old buildings. But in co-ownership, it is impossible to install an outdoor unit wherever you want, nor to launch emergency work the day before a heat peak. Authorizations, technical constraints, risks of nuisance, the procedure to follow is more regulated than one might think.
“Installing air conditioning in a condominium cannot be improvised. As soon as the outdoor unit modifies the appearance of the facade, authorization from the general assembly is essential. It is crucial to anticipate this approach well before the first heatwaves, because the deadlines for convening and voting at AGM can quickly postpone the project by several months”warns Julie Tourtois, manager of Address Pro.Gestion. All the more reason to start the process now.
Having the installation voted on in AGM, a necessary step
In co-ownership, the installation of an outdoor unit on the facade, on the roof or in a courtyard falls under the common areas. It therefore requires a vote at the general meeting. The co-owner must submit a written request to the trustee, accompanied by a quote and plans specifying the location, possible penetration of the walls and the visual impact.
Authorization can be granted on an individual basis, but also in the form of a broader “right to air conditioning”. Here again, anticipation is key: if the request arrives too late, it will have to wait until the next ordinary AGM, or impose the holding of an extraordinary AGM, which is more costly for everyone.
Limit the risk of conflict: noise, façade, regulations
Beyond the vote, the co-ownership must ensure compliance with the regulations and the tranquility of the occupants. Outdoor units are noisy, sometimes poorly positioned under neighbors’ windows or visible from the street, which can fuel disputes or even legal action.
“Beyond the regulatory aspect, the choice of equipment is also decisive in avoiding neighborhood disputes, particularly regarding noise pollution. We systematically advise co-owners to pass a global authorization with specifications to be respected (size, location, noise level, etc.). The objective is to reconcile thermal comfort and compliance with co-ownership regulations for a long-lasting installation”insists Julie Tourtois.
Use a framework authorization to save time
To avoid going back to AGM for each new air conditioning project, many trustees propose to pass a framework authorization. This sets common rules: recommended brands or ranges, maximum power, decibel threshold, location (interior balcony, courtyard, roof) and installation methods (ducts, condensate evacuation).
With this framework validated once and for all, each co-owner only has to comply with the specifications and send their plans to the trustee for verification. A way to speed up installations, reduce debates at AGM and ensure that the summer comfort of some will not come at the expense of others.
