Appraise property
Real estate

New House Rules: What You Need to Know for Peaceful Coexistence in Apartment Buildings

04-08-2025 / Regent Zagreb
New House Rules: What You Need to Know for Peaceful Coexistence in Apartment Buildings

In June 2025, the new House Rules in buildings came into effect, which applies to every resident, regardless of whether you are a homeowner, tenant or guest. The rules bring clear rules that define behavior in common areas, house peace, use of space, waste disposal and behavior with pets.

House Rules for Every Resident



The new house rules apply to all residents and set clear guidelines to maintain order in buildings. The rules do not only apply to owners of apartments and business premises, but also to tenants and their guests, which means that everyone who stays in the building must respect the same guidelines. This is especially important for the summer months when a good part of the population rents out their properties to tourists, who should also be informed of what is allowed and what is not allowed so as not to disturb the peace of other residents.

Clear Rules for Common Areas



Common areas, such as laundries, drying rooms and courtyards, must be used in accordance with the agreement among co-owners and exclusively for their intended purpose. For example, bicycles, strollers and similar items can be left in common areas only if the majority of co-owners allow it, and at least 1.25 meters of free passage must remain. It is important to note that unpleasant odors, smoke and noise must be reduced to a minimum, and watering flowers must be in containers that prevent water from leaking down the facades and falling on the windows of other apartments.

Rules for Pet Owners



Pets are allowed in private spaces, where they can move freely, but they are not allowed to enter the common parts of the building without the owner's supervision. Pet owners are obliged to clean up after them and take care of their behavior. Also, feeding stray animals in the building is not allowed.

Peace and Quiet for the Quality Coexistence of All Residents



In the new Regulations, the hours of house peace are clearly defined when residents are obliged to avoid noise. On working days, house peace lasts from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. On weekends and holidays, peace is from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and from 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM. Celebrations are allowed, but they must be announced at least two days in advance and must end no later than midnight.

Announce Possible Noise Due to Works



Works in apartments are also subject to restrictions to reduce noise to the lowest possible level. Works (and thus noise) are allowed only on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. On Sundays and holidays, works are only allowed in urgent cases, and all works must be announced at least two days in advance. If the works are carried out in common areas, the approval of the representative of the co-owners is required.

Sanctions for Non-Compliance with House Rules



By not adhering to the house rules, you can put yourself in danger of a warning, and in the event of repeated violations, a fine. Fines can range from 50 to 500 euros, and can only be imposed by the building manager. However, for a fine to be imposed, there must be a corresponding inter-ownership agreement. What a quality inter-ownership agreement should contain and why it is important, you can read in our blog


How to Ensure Good Coexistence?



Introducing house rules in buildings may seem like additional administration, but it actually brings great advantages for every resident. By introducing clear guidelines for behavior, from the use of common areas to noise control and maintaining peace, a framework for peaceful and pleasant coexistence has been created. Of course, the rulebook is only the foundation, but its application depends on the will and cooperation of all residents.


Regulations not only defines which rules apply to common areas, but also provides the basis for better mutual respect and understanding. The law may prescribe rules, but the rights and obligations of residents should always be followed by personal responsibility.


You can download the entire Regulations here.

Currently popular

Pre-contract for the sale of real estate in Croatia: what it is, what it must contain, and what to watch out for?
Guides / 15-05-2026

Pre-contract for the sale of real estate in Croatia: what it is, what it must contain, and what to watch out for?

TL;DR: A preliminary contract for the sale of real estate in Croatia is a legally binding agreement that protects both parties during the period between agreement and final sale. It must contain an exact description of the property, the purchase price, deadlines, and provisions regarding the earnest money deposit. Thorough due diligence of documentation ...
Housing loan in Croatia for foreign buyers: what you need to know about conditions, banks, and documentation
Guides / 13-05-2026

Housing loan in Croatia for foreign buyers: what you need to know about conditions, banks, and documentation

TL;DR: Home loans in Croatia are available to foreign buyers, but require thorough preparation. Banks apply strict creditworthiness criteria (DSTI and LTV), require extensive documentation with certified translations, and additional legal restrictions apply to non-EU buyers. The key to success is early preparation - ideally 60 days in advance - and ...
Budget-friendly tips for refreshing an apartment before selling
Guides / 12-05-2026

Budget-friendly tips for refreshing an apartment before selling

First impressions sell property. Buyers often make an emotional decision within the first few minutes of viewing, which is precisely why how an apartment looks can directly impact the speed of sale and the final price. The good news? You don't need to invest tens of thousands of euros to refresh an apartment before selling. Often, it's the small, ...
Real Estate Valuation: What Market, Mortgage, and Tax Value Mean for Buyers and Sellers
Guides / 07-05-2026

Real Estate Valuation: What Market, Mortgage, and Tax Value Mean for Buyers and Sellers

Property valuation is not an unambiguous term — it depends on who is asking and why. The same property can have three different values depending on whether a buyer, a bank, or the Tax Administration is looking at it. This guide explains: - what market, mortgage, and tax value of a property are - how each of them is determined and by whom - why the ...