We want to hire a condominium management company for our building, but we've heard so many reports of improper situations, such as lack of interest, negligence, little transparency and even embezzlement, that we're afraid. What should we know? Do we have a way to complain if the service doesn't go well?

The activity of condominium management companies is not regulated, nor is there a supervisory body to which you can turn in the event of a conflict. You should therefore inform yourself well before choosing such a company.

Although Deco has been calling for legislation and regulation in the condominium management sector for over 15 years, these mechanisms have not yet been achieved. So here are a few tips you can follow to make a safer choice:

- Give preference to companies that have physical premises (stores or establishments), which open to the public at set times, namely to the owners of the buildings they manage;

- Ask nearby condominiums for contacts. Reputation is an indicator of service quality. Make sure the company is legal. Enter the name on the website of the Institute of Registries and Notaries. The database will at least tell you if the name exists. If you have any doubts, ask the local commercial registry office for an uncertified photocopy of the company's information;

- Confirm that the company has taken out civil liability insurance to guarantee damage caused to third parties as a result of carrying out its activity;

- Check that the company has a management platform for consultation by condominium owners and a complaints book which must be presented whenever requested;

- Make sure it is an autonomous company from any other business or industrial entity;

- Limit the company's powers in the contract and in the meeting. Reserve the condominium's right of veto on important decisions, such as insurance and works;

- Define the services to be contracted, taking into account the needs of the condominium: amounts available, size of the building, number and nature of common parts, relationship between neighbors, etc.

- Prefer an annual contract, with no penalty and a maximum of 30 days' notice to terminate.
Don't forget that companies that manage condominiums are service providers, so they are obliged to have a complaints book and, of course, to make it available to anyone who wants to complain. So start by asking for the complaints book and report what you consider to be the company's bad practices.

Source: Idealistanews
Legislação e Finanças