By Reyna Echenique
Special for El Inmobiliario
The lack of an effective regulatory framework for condominium management in the Dominican Republic has created a worrying situation where abuses and improvisation prevail over professional management. What should be a service role focused on the well-being of owners has, in many cases, become a position of power exercised arbitrarily and without adequate oversight.
The multifaceted role of the administrator
Modern condominium management goes far beyond collecting fees. The manager must be a professional capable of:
● Efficiently manage the condominium's financial resources
● Oversee the maintenance of complex infrastructures
● Mediate in conflicts between condominium owners
● Ensure compliance with regulations and rules
● Implement necessary improvements and updates
Shortcomings in current regulation
The lack of minimum requirements to work as a condominium administrator creates worrying situations:
● People without knowledge of the local legal framework
● Administrators who do not reside in the condominium's location
● Lack of preparation in financial and administrative management
● Lack of standardized operating protocols
● Lack of monitoring and control mechanisms
The reality is that anyone can be appointed as a condominium administrator, regardless of their qualifications or experience, which puts both the interests and rights of the owners and the effective management of the properties at risk.
International best practices
In countries with more developed systems, condominium management is a regulated profession that requires:
● Specific professional certifications
● Mandatory continuing education
● Compliance with ethical standards
● Supervision by competent bodies
● Accountability systems
International experience shows that professionalizing the role of the administrator results in more efficient management, greater owner satisfaction, and better preservation of property value.
Improvement proposals
To raise the standards of condominium management in the Dominican Republic, the following is required:
1. Professionalization of the role:
● Establish minimum training requirements
● Create certification programs
● Implement continuous evaluation systems
● Develop professional codes of ethics
2. Accountability systems:
● Standardized financial reports
● Mandatory periodic audits
● Performance evaluation mechanisms
● Transparency protocols in management
3. Control mechanisms:
● Supervision by competent authorities
● Complaint and conflict resolution systems
● Sanctions for malpractice
● Protection of owners' rights
Impact on real estate investment
The lack of professionalism in condominium management not only affects daily operations but also has a direct impact on the investment climate. Questionable practices, such as the arbitrary calculation of maintenance fees based on the square footage of private areas—like the square footage of the apartment—instead of the share of common areas, generate distrust among investors.
It is illogical and lacks legal basis for an owner to have to pay more for maintenance simply because they have a larger apartment, when the common areas maintained are the same for everyone. This practice, which contradicts both the law and common sense, exemplifies how a lack of clear regulation can discourage real estate investment in our country.
International investors, accustomed to more regulated and transparent systems, may view these arbitrary practices as a warning sign. Professionalizing the sector is not merely a matter of administrative efficiency, but a fundamental factor in maintaining and enhancing the Dominican Republic's attractiveness as a real estate investment destination.
Towards a professional administration
Professionalizing condominium management is not a luxury, but a necessity. The growth of the Dominican real estate market, especially in the luxury condominium and tourism segment, demands skilled administrators who can:
● Manage significant budgets
● Manage modern technologies
● Implement sustainable practices
● Guaranteeing the satisfaction and property rights of increasingly demanding owners
Modernizing the regulatory framework must include specific provisions on the professionalization of condominium administrators. Only in this way can we ensure efficient management that protects both owners' investments and the quality of life in condominiums.
This article is part of the series on the Condominium Regime in the Dominican Republic.
The author is a real estate agent, real estate entrepreneur, CEO of Echenique Group, real estate investor, Secretary of the Board of Directors AEI 2024-2026, and a realtor specializing in the Dominican and international real estate sector.
