Changes and Renovations in the Independent Unit: What Permissions Are Required?

When you want to renovate your own apartment, the thought "this is my property, I can do whatever I want" is not always correct. While some changes are free, others require permission or are prohibited by law. In this guide, we explain what permissions are required for changes and renovations to be made in an independent unit, based on Article 19 of Condominium Ownership Law No. 634 (KMK).

What can you do freely in your own apartment?

A unit owner has, over their own independent unit, broad rights granted by the Civil Code. Interior arrangements such as painting, wallpapering, changing kitchen cabinets or floor coverings, which do not harm the main structure and do not affect the project, can as a rule be freely carried out. For such simple renovations, you do not need to obtain permission from the other owners.

Changes harming the main structure are prohibited

The clearest rule of the law is this: A unit owner cannot carry out repairs, installations and changes of a nature that harm the main structure in their own independent unit (KMK Art. 19). For example, interventions such as cutting a load-bearing column or shear wall that would endanger the soundness of the main structure are strictly prohibited. Such changes are both contrary to the prohibition and carry serious safety risks.

Consent of the neighbour in connected places

Some places are connected to neighbouring apartments. According to the law, in the connected places of independent units that are connected to each other by ceiling, floor or wall, repairs, installations and changes that do not harm the main structure can only be made with the joint consent of the relevant unit owners (KMK Art. 19). For example, a plumbing work that will affect the ceiling of the unit owner below or the floor of the unit owner above requires the consent of both sides.

Substantial renovation contrary to the approved project

Substantial (major) renovations contrary to the approved architectural project are a special matter. In Court of Cassation practice, unanimity of the unit owners is sought for substantial changes to be made in the approved project. That is, substantial interventions that change the project and disturb the architectural integrity cannot be made by your own decision alone; the approval of all owners may be required. This distinction between simple repairs and substantial project change is decisive in disputes.

Liability for damage due to fault

Each unit owner is liable to the other owners for damage caused by their own fault to the main real estate and to the other independent units (KMK Art. 19). For example, if a plumbing change you made in your apartment causes flooding on the lower floor, you must compensate for this damage. For this reason, it is important that the renovation be carried out by competent persons and with care.

Balcony and facade changes

Enclosing a balcony or changes affecting the exterior facade are different from interior renovation; because they concern the exterior appearance of the building and its common area character. Such changes generally require the qualified majority (e.g., 4/5) written consent of the unit owners or the rules in the management plan. It is essential to research these permissions before making a change that affects the facade.

Summary

You can freely carry out simple interior renovations in your apartment that do not harm the main structure and do not affect the project. However, intervention in the load-bearing system is prohibited; the consent of the neighbour in connected places, and unanimity in substantial renovations contrary to the approved project, may be required. You are liable for the damage caused by your fault.

It is important to keep regular records of renovation decisions, neighbour consents and approvals of the management board. Apt Yönet brings together decision and approval processes on a single panel, providing management with a regular archive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need permission to tear down a wall in my apartment?

If it is a non-load-bearing partition wall and does not harm the main structure, it is generally free. Intervention in a load-bearing wall/column is prohibited.

Do I need permission for painting and wallpapering?

Not for the interior of your apartment. However, a colour change affecting the exterior facade concerns the common area and is subject to permission.

Can I make a plumbing change?

Plumbing changes that do not harm the main structure can be made; in places connected with the neighbour, the consent of the relevant owners is required.

What happens if I carry out a renovation contrary to the project?

Unanimity may be sought for substantial renovations contrary to the approved project; otherwise, restoration of the previous state may be requested.

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This content is intended for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For your specific situation, consulting a legal expert is recommended.