VVE and Gas Pipelines: Obligations and Tips

Questioner

Hello, we recreate at a VVE park, my question is whether the park is obliged to have the gas pipes checked every few years.

Lawyer

Dear Karin, A VvE is responsible for all matters that fall under the joint responsibility of the owners. This includes the common parts. This will also include the gas pipes and therefore the VvE must ensure the maintenance of these pipes. As co-owner of these parts (as a member of the VVE) you are responsible for the maintenance and associated costs. You can point out to the board of the VVE that the maintenance of the common pipes falls under the obligation of the VVE. However, it remains the VVE (of which you are a member) that decides on the maintenance work to be carried out. The board merely carries out the tasks. You can request the board to convene a meeting or you can request to discuss this point at a subsequent meeting.

Questioner

hello thanks for your answer but my question is actually are we as a homeowners association obliged to have this checked every so often, I mean the gas pipes. Are we obliged to do this as a homeowners association in connection with the insurance..maybe I didn't ask the question properly the first time. I am on the board myself and wanted to know. Does this have to be done every so many years or only if there are problems. Thanks in advance.

Lawyer

As a VVE, you are not required by law to check the gas pipes. However, you do have the general obligation to ensure that the complex remains in good condition and therefore if there are problems you must check the pipes. Although not common, it may be that the insurance does set requirements, but this is stated in the insurance conditions.