Neighbor Selling Home Must Pay for Building Repairs, Lawyer Says

A homeowner in a two-unit building sought advice on whether a neighbor selling their apartment must contribute to exterior repairs. The building's facade needs painting and crack repair, but the selling neighbor is reluctant to pay, citing the impending sale.

According to attorney Karin Shimon, an expert in neighbor disputes and administrator of the Facebook group "Neighbors in Trouble," the obligation to pay depends on the nature of the repairs. If the work is essential for maintaining the building's structural integrity and preventing deterioration, all property owners are legally required to contribute their share, regardless of whether their unit is for sale. This is stipulated by Israel's Real Estate Law of 1969.

Shimon clarified that if the repairs are purely cosmetic or for aesthetic enhancement rather than essential maintenance, the situation is more complex. In such cases, unanimous consent from all owners might be necessary, and the selling owner may not be automatically obligated to pay. To determine liability for non-essential upgrades, consulting a legal professional is recommended to distinguish between routine upkeep and optional improvements.