Doing building work or moving without upsetting the building

Key rules

• Notice: Tell the community president and neighbours before works or a move, and tell your landlord first if you rent.
• Hours: Noisy-work hours are set by your town and often your building, so confirm them before booking a contractor.
• Lift: Protect the lift and common areas, and photograph them beforehand in case of a damage dispute.
• Parking: Ask your town hall about van parking or a moving-lift permit well before moving day.

Permitted hours, permit rules, lift fees and parking procedures differ by town and building, so confirm them with your town hall and community administrator.

The short version

Tell your neighbours and the community president before noisy work or a big move. Keep to quiet hours, protect the lift and common areas, and arrange parking ahead. Hours, fees and permits differ by town and by building, so check the local rules before you book anyone.

Give notice first

Write to the president of your community (the neighbours' association that runs the building) and the administrator, if there is one. Say what you will do, the dates, and the company doing it. Put a short note on the entrance notice board or on each landing too. A few days' warning is polite, and more is better for long works.

If you rent, ask your landlord before any works. Most work needs their agreement, and they may need to tell the community.

Check permissions for works

Even work inside your flat can need permission from two places:

• Your town hall. Small repairs and painting often need only a simple notice. Larger works, such as moving walls, changing the layout or touching pipes, usually need a licence or a formal declaration. Ask your town hall's building-works office which applies to your job.
• Your community. Anything that touches shared parts needs the community's approval. That includes the structure, facade, windows seen from outside, shared pipes and shafts. Check the building's own rules too.

Ask your contractor to confirm what is needed before they start. Do not begin until you know.

Respect permitted hours

Each town sets its own hours for noisy work, and many buildings add their own. As a general habit, plan loud work on weekday mornings and afternoons, and avoid the middle of the day, evenings, weekends and public holidays. Ask your town hall and your administrator for the exact hours before you schedule anything. Give the hours to your contractor in writing.

Protect the lift and common areas

Many communities expect you to protect the lift, stairs and entrance during works and moves. Ask the administrator what the building requires. Some communities ask for a deposit or charge for damage, and some limit lift use for loads.

• Cover lift walls and floor with protective sheets or boards.
• Protect stair corners and the entrance floor.
• Clean the common areas the same day.
• Take photos of the lift and entrance before you start, so any damage dispute is clear.
• Take rubble and packaging away yourself. Do not leave it in the portal or on the landing.

Plan moving day and parking

Book your moving date with the administrator, and tell neighbours when the lift will be busy. Avoid early mornings and late evenings.

Parking a van in front of the door usually needs permission from your town hall, often through the local police or the mobility or street-use department. Some towns also have permits for external moving lifts. Ask your town hall how and how early to apply, what it costs, and whether signs must go up in advance. Many removal companies handle this for you, so ask for it in the quote.

Keep neighbours on your side

Be present on the day, keep doors and the lift free for others, and finish on time. A short thank-you note afterwards helps. If you want to write to your neighbours in Spanish, a ready-made note would help, but none is available on this page yet.