Thanks to a friend of mine, I learned about the Costa Rica Condominium Owners Association. I didn’t even know there was an association that could represent me, and without thinking twice, I asked to join. It took me maybe two minutes. I realized that a reform was almost passed that seemed like it was from a country like Nicaragua but not like Costa Rica. This is what it means to modify my property rights, as if living in a condominium meant being a “sub-owner” or a “second-class owner” under the authority of a developer or a group of neighbors who can interfere with my property rights. That’s not how condominium ownership works.
Much less so retroactively, as was also intended. I don’t agree. This bill affects the economic value of my property and undermines my right to decide about my own home.
I took out a loan to buy my house in the condominium. I did the math right so I wouldn’t lose it. But if this ridiculous renovation were to happen, it could end up costing me or any other condominium owner more than I could, and we could end up paying less to the bank. Then, yes, we’d be in trouble. Not fighting now is practically resigning ourselves to living in risk and uncertainty. For me and my family, I can’t and won’t allow it.
