Larnaca, Cyprus. Responsibility for dangerous buildings lies solely with their owners, the Larnaca district local government organisation (EOA) said on Wednesday, stressing that public safety is “not up for negotiation”.
Owner responsibility
In a statement, the authority said building owners and, where applicable, management committees of jointly owned properties bear full and exclusive responsibility for the safety, maintenance and structural adequacy of their premises. It said timely inspection and maintenance are a legal obligation linked to the protection of human life and public safety.
Call for repairs
Owners were urged to immediately carry out necessary repair work, address damage and remove any potential risks.
Legal position
Larnaca EOA said current legislation means it does not hold responsibility for private buildings and does not have the authority to continuously inspect or certify the condition of every privately owned structure. “The obligation to monitor and ensure the safety of buildings remains exclusively with their owners,” it said.
Penalties
The authority added that failure to comply with legal provisions constitutes a criminal offence and may result in criminal and administrative penalties, including fines and prison sentences, under the Streets and Buildings Law.
