A new bill has been submitted to the Cyprus Parliament aiming to address property owners who fail to maintain their buildings in a safe condition. The reform is driven by a series of incidents involving collapsing balconies and facades — accidents that fortunately caused no casualties but sparked public concern and raised questions about the condition of the country’s aging housing stock.
Authorities emphasize that the goal of the initiative is to improve safety standards, enforce responsibility among property owners, and prevent potential tragedies caused by neglect and poor maintenance.
New Fines and Liability for Property Owners
Under the proposed bill, owners who fail to comply with repair orders will face higher penalties:
- The maximum administrative fine will increase to €40,000.
- An additional €200 daily fine will be imposed for every day of delay.
In cases of persistent non-compliance, authorities will have the power to take drastic measures, such as:
- Evicting residents,
- Demolishing the building,
- Disconnecting electricity and water supply.
Responsibility for the structural safety of buildings rests entirely with the owners. If they ignore repair orders, the district administration will intervene, complete the necessary work, and then recover the costs from the owner.
Expanded Powers for Local Authorities and Emergency Measures
Local authorities will gain expanded powers, including the ability to:
- Fence off dangerous buildings,
- Reinforce or stabilize unsafe structures,
- Carry out partial or full demolition of hazardous constructions.
All related expenses will be recorded in the property register as a debt obligation and will remain attached to the property until fully repaid.
To speed up the process, repair notices may now be published online or delivered through municipal offices, eliminating the need for registered mail.
In emergencies, courts will have authority to quickly issue orders for evacuation or temporary safety measures. Until all violations are remedied, living in or renting out unsafe buildings will be prohibited.
Forced Utility Disconnections and Flexible Payment Terms
To ensure compliance, authorities will be able to suspend electricity and water supply to abandoned or unsafe properties to prevent their use.
Owners will have the option to pay outstanding debts in installments, and minor infractions may be resolved out of court — for example, issues related to fencing or boundary encroachments.
Stricter Criminal Penalties
The bill also introduces tougher criminal sanctions:
- Up to €20,000 for a first offense,
- Up to €40,000 for repeated violations.
Previously, the maximum fines were €10,000 and €20,000 respectively.
Reform Goal: Safety and Order in the Construction Sector
According to the Ministry of Interior, the initiative aims to strengthen public safety and foster a new culture of responsibility among property owners. The government wants to eliminate situations where owner negligence endangers not only their property but also human lives and the stability of nearby buildings.
The bill, expected to take effect in 2026, will form part of a broader strategy to modernize construction legislation and improve the quality of urban development in Cyprus.