Are his charges too high?

Four years ago I bought a property in a new complex. At the time of purchase I was told that the community charge would be €155. On completion I was informed that the charge would be €255, because my apartment has a garden.

Most others have terraces. Now the community charge has been reduced to €236 per month.

All properties were reduced as the new President promised. Many other residents also complain about the high charges.

They tell me that my charge is higher because my garden is watered by the community system and not through my apartment.  The administrator tells me that any application to reduce must be done through the courts. Can I get these charges lowered?

H M (Costa del Sol)

It is quite normal that a larger unit with a garden pays more than a smaller unit with a terrace. Be aware that your garden is in fact community property with exclusive use assigned to you.

The community fees are not set by the president or the administrator. They are voted by the members at the Annual General Meeting.  This would be the right time to raise the issue.

Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana and Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.