Life is not easy for those who suffer from physical limitations and need to move around buildings in the country on a daily basis. The law requiring accessibility to buildings exists, but it is often neglected. Learn how to assert your rights and make your condominium accessible.
Those who suffer from this problem complain that they often have to rely on the help of others for simple tasks. Going to work every day becomes impractical without the proper conditions in the building where they live (for example, if they are in a wheelchair and live on the 3rd floor without an elevator).
According to the law, any renovation work carried out in the common areas of a building (entrances, stairways, or common passageways) depends on a decision by the condominium owners' association, with the approval of 2/3 of the total value of the building.
This meant that until 2012, when Portuguese law took an important step forward in the area of social inclusion, condominium owners with mobility difficulties or with a family member with such disabilities had to obtain the aforementioned majority in order to install an access ramp or a wheelchair lift. The process was very complicated, leading to inequality.
How does it work?
Currently, in order for such innovative works to be carried out and to ensure accessibility and autonomy for those concerned, it is sufficient to notify the administrator of your intention 15 days in advance and to comply with the building's technical accessibility standards.
Also, in the building in question, there can't be elevators with doors and cabins that are big enough for someone in a wheelchair to use.
The costs of the ramps and lifting platforms, as well as any work necessary to install them, are borne by the co-owners who wish to install them and who depend on them.
Subsequently, any co-owner who wishes to use this equipment may do so by paying their share of the costs of installation and future maintenance. Please note that access ramps and lifting platforms may be removed by the condominium owner(s) who installed them, provided that there is agreement between them and that they do not cause damage to the building, by giving the administrator 15 days' notice.
If removal is not possible, the condominium owner(s) are entitled to receive the amount invested, adjusted for any depreciation over time.
However, keep in mind that the law only applies to owners and their household members; if you are a tenant, you cannot take this initiative.
Source: condominiodeco