Para derogar el Artículo 65, añadir un nuevo Artículo 65 y añadir un nuevo Artículo 66A a la Ley de Condominios de Puerto Rico, Ley Núm. 129 de 16 de agosto de 2020, a los fines de aclarar la jurisdicción del Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor (DACO), y del Tribunal de Primera Instancias para atender las controversias que se susciten bajo dicha Ley; y establecer un nuevo Proceso Adjudicativo Expedito Alterno ante DACO para atender la impugnación de acuerdos, determinaciones, omisiones o actuaciones del Consejo de Titulares, de la Junta de Directores, del director, presidente o del secretario de la Junta de Directores o del Síndico en los condominios con al menos un apartamento de uso residencial; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill PC 1010 establishes DACO's expedited alternative process to resolve condominium governance disputes, clarifying jurisdiction between administrative and judicial venues in Puerto Rico's residential condominiums.

Devuelto a la Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1010 modifies Puerto Rico's Condominium Law to clarify jurisdiction between the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) and the First Instance Court for condominium disputes. It establishes a new expedited alternative adjudicative process at DACO to challenge decisions and actions by condominium governing bodies (Owners' Council, Board of Directors, director, president, secretary, or administrator) in residential condominiums.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects thousands of condominium residents in Puerto Rico by creating a faster, alternative dispute resolution mechanism outside the traditional court system. It potentially reduces litigation costs and timelines for homeowners challenging condominium governance decisions, while clarifying which authority handles specific complaint categories.

Potential points of contention

Jurisdictional overlap concerns: The bill modifies but may not entirely eliminate confusion about when cases go to DACO versus court, potentially creating new disputes over proper venue

DACO capacity and expertise: Shifting condominium disputes to an administrative agency requires adequate staffing and specialized training; inadequate resources could create backlogs

Rights protection balance: Expedited processes may sacrifice thorough legal review; residents may lack equal procedural protections compared to traditional court proceedings

Condominium board resistance: Building administrators and boards may oppose reduced judicial oversight of their governance decisions