The new Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 aims to resolve difficulties arising in residential apartments and multi-unit developments management.

Although the new act will introduce some much tougher measures, it will create a strong structure for the resolution of disputes in a fair, transparent and uniform fashion, a seminar held in Dublin by the Irish Property and Facility Management Association (IPFMA) heard.

As a result of the act, no residential apartment or unit in a multi-unit development can be bought or sold legally after October 2011 where an owners’ management company (which is formed by and made up of the actual owners of the apartments/units) is not in control and has ownership of all common areas.

The act is expected to be passed into law in April.