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Concerning apartment charges: is there an independent method to divide certain charges between owner and occupant? For example cable TV that is divided between all apartments (as per an old agreement from years back) yet not necessarily used by all (due to independent TV/internet contracts? Is the occupant or the owner never-the-less liable?
For the standard Syndic maintenance fee, how is this divided between occupant and owner?
Many thanks for any advice.
This is all complex and difficult to answer but should all be in your lease agreement.
There are not really any set rules for charges, if you live in an apartment block, check how the costs are apportioned between the other residents. Are there separate meters for electricity, water, gas and heating oil or is the amount split evenly between the number of apartments or area let? Is the maintenance of the communal areas divided between the number of apartments or is the area of the space let used as a basis?
As far internet-TV goes, also difficult. There could be one company (let's say Belgacom) that supply the main direct feed into the building but all the different residents could have contracts with whoever they decide i.e. Telenet, VOO etc. In these circumstances, all the residents are still liable to share the Belgacom costs.
All these criteria determine the amount you finally pay. Questions and disputes may be brought before the Justice of the Peace.
Regarding the Syndic fees, if it is not mentioned clearly in your lease that you have to bear this cost, it is the owner who pays. Don't let your landlord fool you otherwise. Check your lease.
