Larnaca apartment committee calls for investigation into alleged illegal connections and occupancy

Larnaca, Cyprus. The management committee of an apartment complex has called for an immediate investigation by the competent authorities into alleged illegal electricity and water connections, occupation without owners’ consent, unauthorised and overcrowded accommodation, and threats against committee members.

Allegations over apartment occupancy and rent

In a statement dated October 2, the committee said its members, as the legal owners of apartments and premises, were expressing serious concern and protest over incidents and conditions allegedly occurring in communal and other areas of the apartment buildings.

The committee alleged that apartments were being occupied under forged, invalid or illegal rental agreements without the consent of their legal owners. It also claimed that third parties were renting out apartments and collecting income without owners’ consent.

It said there were indications of money laundering through rent collection by people not entitled to receive it, as well as the illegal sale of electricity and water.

Utility connections and threats

The committee alleged that illegal electricity connections had been made directly to meters or through external wiring running between apartments. It said the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) had inspected these connections and deemed them dangerous.

It also alleged illegal connections to the water supply network, theft of water, and the supply or sale of water from one meter to other apartments.

According to the committee, illegal connections disconnected in cooperation with the water board and the EAC were subsequently reconnected.

The committee said its members had received threats and alleged that individuals had shouted at and intimidated residents.

Police complaints and structural checks

The committee said it had already filed a police complaint against specific individuals. Apartment owners had also submitted complaints and were continuing to do so, according to the statement.

It added that, in cooperation with the Larnaca self-government organisation (EOA), it had appointed a civil engineer and was proceeding with laboratory tests to determine the structural condition of the apartment buildings.