Wohnungseigentümer

Wohnungseigentümer refers to the owner of a condominium or apartment within a larger building in German-speaking countries. This form of ownership is legally regulated, most notably by the Wohnungseigentumsgesetz (WEG) in Germany. When a person becomes a Wohnungseigentümer, they acquire not only individual ownership of their specific apartment unit but also a fractional co-ownership interest in the common property of the building. This common property typically includes the land, the building's structure, stairwells, hallways, and shared facilities like gardens or laundry rooms.

The Wohnungseigentümergemeinschaft (WEG), or community of apartment owners, is formed by all the individual owners within the building. This community is responsible for the management, maintenance, and repair of the common property. Decisions regarding the common property are made collectively by the WEG, usually at owner meetings. Each Wohnungseigentümer has a vote, often weighted by their share of ownership. A significant aspect of being a Wohnungseigentümer is the obligation to contribute to the costs associated with the common property through regular payments, known as Hausgeld. These contributions cover expenses such as insurance, janitorial services, repairs, and contributions to a reserve fund for future major renovations. The rights and obligations of a Wohnungseigentümer are detailed in the WEG and any specific house rules or management plans established for the building.