Meeting 18th May summary
Quick recap
The meeting focused on reviewing and updating the rules for Thalassa View Gardens complex, with Deborah leading the discussion and seeking input from the owner members including Simon, Silvia , Sotos , Chris B, Val, Erika and Aurelia. The group reviewed solicitor-revised rules covering alterations to properties, pool usage, parking, pets, and enforcement procedures, with extensive debate about pet ownership restrictions and enforcement mechanisms. Key decisions included allowing existing pet owners to keep their pets with registration requirements and implementing a three-complaint system leading to fines or legal action, while maintaining strict rules against pets in communal areas and requiring proper insurance coverage. The committee also discussed budget constraints, with Silvia advocating for delaying non-urgent expenses until the complex achieves a positive financial position, while Sotos and others emphasized the need for essential repairs like pool structural fixes. The conversation ended with agreement to hold off on major spending until November when a financial situation would be more apparent and it is evident that more owners begin paying their fees regularly.
Actions:
Deborah
- Update the rules document to reflect agreed changes, including special provisions for existing pet owners (grandfathering current pets but not allowing new ones for owners, and allowing tenants only if explicitly permitted by the committee), and clarify that pets are not allowed in communal areas, especially the pool area.
- Add to the rules that owners with pets must provide their name, pet’s name, and acknowledge that if more than three complaints are received, a fine (e.g., 100-200 euros for cleanup) and/or legal action may be taken, and that the concession to keep pets can be removed if rules are broken.
- Revise the car parking signs and rules to specify “one bay per car,” and send the new sign design to Silvia for Greek language review before posting.
- Add to locker rules that only owners who are up to date with communal fees are eligible for a locker, and that lockers may not be used for commercial purposes or to store flammable liquids or gases; maintain a waiting list for locker allocation.
- Schedule a land survey to assess the safety and feasibility of digging a well in the garden area near the pool, before considering well construction. If voted for by the owners.
- Monitor and maintain a minimum financial reserve (double the current annual deficit, e.g., at least 26,000 euros) before approving any non-urgent major expenditures; review financial status in November and convene a meeting to decide on major works based on available funds.
- Ensure all owners and residents receive a copy of the updated rules once finalized and clarify that rules are hereditary and apply to all subsequent owners/occupiers. * Please note that if we do not get 75% of the vote to adopt the new rules the old rules will stay in place. So please take the time to read, what we propose and vote if you agree or disagree. The old rules are on the Document page on our website.
- Ensure at least one functional toilet is available at the pool area for licensing/inspection purposes, and coordinate cleaning as needed.
- Update the online voting system and ensure all owners are aware of the process and deadlines for committee elections and rule changes. We will allow owners 1 week to read the notes from the meetings and vote, which is the 26th May 2026. When a new committee will be legally formed.
Silvia
Collaboration
- Deborah/Sotos/Committee: Take stricter and more timely legal action (e.g., after 3 months of non-payment) against owners in arrears, including placing memos on title deeds to prevent sale until fees are paid.
- Deborah/Committee: Consider options for leasing the spa building to generate rental income for the community, and report back to the committee with proposals. * Once we get the title deeds, from the bank.
Summary
Rules and Procedures Guidance Discussion
The meeting participants, including Deborah, Simon, Silvia , Sotos , Chris B, Val, Erika and Aurelia discussed the need for guidance on rules and procedures that have been problematic over the past four years. Deborah emphasized the importance of collective input on how to address these issues, rather than relying on individual decisions. The discussion touched on specific areas requiring clarification, though the details were not fully elaborated in the transcript.
Property Rules Update Discussion
Deborah led a discussion about updating property rules, explaining that the current rules were made over 20 years ago and need revision due to changes in law, particularly regarding building permits in Cyprus. She mentioned that the solicitor has already updated the rules and shared the documents with everyone, with only one comment needing adjustment regarding alterations to properties. Deborah planned to explain the reasoning behind each proposed rule change, particularly focusing on real life issues that have arisen over the past four years, where owners had requested the committee to intervene with certain issues and no rule excited.
Solicitor Rules Discussion Meeting
Deborah led a discussion about changes to solicitor rules, with Silvia expressing concerns about unnecessary restrictions such as limitations on balcony plants, musical instruments, and drying clothes. Silvia argued that many rules were impractical and went beyond existing Cyprus laws, questioning the logic behind restrictions like approved flowerpots and the prohibition of tents on balconies. The group noted that while some rules made sense, others seemed excessive or unenforceable, and they waited for a solicitor to join the meeting to clarify specific points in the rules.
Balcony and Pet Rules Discussion
Sotos introduced himself as new to the group and clarified rules about hanging clothing on balconies, explaining that the restriction applies to large balconies with a maximum height limit of 1.5 meters. Silvia expressed concerns about the enforcement of these rules and questioned why they couldn’t hang items on utilitarian balconies at the back. The discussion also covered pet rules, with Deborah sharing an example of enforcement regarding a tenant who didn’t properly dispose of a dog’s waste, and Silvia advocating for charging pet owners for damage and cleanup costs rather than simply banning pet.
Pet Rules in Residential Complex
The committee discussed rules regarding pets in the residential complex. They agreed that NO NEW PETS are allowed, however, to allow current pet owners to keep their pets with registration requirements but established a three-complaint system leading to legal action or fines of up to 200 euros for cleanup costs. The group emphasized that allowing pets is a concession that could be removed if rules are broken, particularly noting concerns about dogs in common areas and pools.
Swimming Pool Rules Discussion
Deborah, Silvia, and Sotos discussed swimming pool rules, focusing on age restrictions, safety measures, and conduct guidelines. They agreed to clarify the age requirement to 16 year without adult supervision and emphasized the importance of responsible supervision, especially since there is no lifeguard on duty. The group also addressed hygiene requirements, prohibited items like glass and food near/in the pool, and discussed the enforceability of no smoking rules around/in the pool. They concluded by reviewing rules regarding guests and liability for damages, confirming that the residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests.
Communal Area Rules and Parking
The committee discussed and agreed to implement a rule prohibiting dogs in enclosed pool area, though existing pets may continue to be walked through the complex as long as they remain on a lead. They also addressed car parking issues, deciding to implement a first-come, first-serve policy with a maximum of one car per apartment in covered parking spaces, and Deborah agreed to modify the proposed parking signs to clarify this restriction. The discussion highlighted concerns about residents treating unallocated parking spaces as private garages, with Deborah sharing an example of someone attaching a crane to a supporting beam, to lift a car engine in a communal parking area, which led to the decision to establish clearer rules preventing such inappropriate use of shared parking spaces.
Property Budget Discussion Meeting
Silvia and Deborah discussed the budget for a property complex, including insurance costs and community fees per square meter. They clarified that the internal area measurements on deeds exclude verandas and confirmed the current fee structure. Silvia expressed concern about spending money on non-urgent items while the budget is in deficit, disagreeing with spending any of the 17K until financial issues are resolved.
Property Fees and Maintenance Discussion
The group discussed financial challenges with property fees and maintenance issues. Silvia expressed concerns about high fees and emphasized the need for more people to pay their fees on time, while Sotos agreed but noted that consequences would now be implemented for non-payers, including potential legal action. The discussion focused on pool repairs, with a quote of 9K from PoolFix being compared to a much higher 190K quote from another contractor, though concerns were raised about getting proper comparison quotes. The group also discussed the need for multiple quotes on painting work and emphasized the importance of cutting expenses to achieve a positive financial position.
Well Project Safety Planning Meeting
The group discussed plans to dig a well for water, with concerns raised about safety due to the property’s location on a riverbank. Silvia emphasized the need to maintain current communal fees without increases and suggested holding off on non-essential spending until more owners start paying their fees. The group agreed to conduct a land survey to assess safety before proceeding with any well digging and decided to reconvene in November to reassess the financial situation and determine next steps for pool repairs and other projects once the voting had been counted.