In France , properties comprised within a collective building such as apartments are subject to particular rules and regulations (‘copropriété’).  The owner of each individual property also owns a share of the communal areas.  The amount of the share is determined in the regulations governing the creation of the co-owned properties and accords with the size of the individual property.  It is on the basis of the size of the shares in the communal parts that the individual contribution to the services charges (‘les charges de copropriété’), repair works e.t.c is determined.  Whilst owning a share of the communal areas, the individual owner owns his or her property (e.g. apartment) outright.

There is a management company (‘syndic de copropriété’) which is responsible for the day to day administration of the co-owned property.  The company is normally a professional such as an estate agent.  In addition, there is an association of all the co-owners (‘syndicat des copropriétaires’) which meets to decide on various issues such as repair works, budget e.t.c.  The decisions of the association are put into effect by the management company.

When co-owned property is created, there will be a list of rules and regulations (‘règlement de copropriété) governing the property which includes restrictions designed to protect the overall aspect of the property, safeguard individuals against nuisances caused by their neighbours and ensure its good functioning.  There will be a document in which each individual property is listed with the owner’s share in the communal areas specified (‘état déscriptif de division’).  In addition, the rules relating to the association of co-owners will be given in writing.  Any future purchaser should be aware of the contents of these documents as they create a variety of important rights and obligations.

Each owner will be responsible for paying a service charge as well as for additional costs such as repair works decided upon by the association of co-owners.  These will be collected and administered by the management company.  Upon sale, the vendor will remain responsible for the payment of all charges up until the date of signing the deed of completion as well as for the cost of all works which have been voted upon up until completion, even should they be undertaken post this date.  However, it is possible for vendor and purchaser to agree to the contrary and any purchaser of such a property should always understand what the agreement is in this respect

Source - http://www.headdonconsulting.com