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PC 961

Para enmendar el Artículo 59 de la Ley 129-2020, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Condominios de Puerto Rico”; a los fines de prohibir la suspensión de servicios esenciales (agua potable, energía eléctrica, gas y telecomunicaciones) por falta de pago de cuotas de mantenimiento, derramas, seguros o multas; disponer mecanismos alternos de cobro; establecer definiciones y salvaguardas; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill prohibits cutting essential utilities for unpaid condo fees, establishing alternative debt-collection methods to protect residents while challenging association finances.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PC 961

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 961 amends Puerto Rico's Condominium Law (129-2020) to prohibit suspending essential services—water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications—due to unpaid maintenance fees, assessments, insurance, or fines. The bill establishes alternative collection mechanisms and protections for residents while maintaining condo associations' ability to recover owed funds through different legal avenues.

Why is this important

In Puerto Rico's hurricane-vulnerable climate and during economic hardship, loss of essential utilities can pose serious health and safety risks to residents. This legislation aims to balance condo owners' financial obligations with their basic living needs, while addressing concerns that utility shutoffs disproportionately harm vulnerable populations. The bill also affects condo associations' cash flow and debt collection capabilities, requiring them to pursue costlier legal remedies.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement challenges: Without utility suspension as leverage, condo associations may struggle to collect delinquent fees, potentially creating unfunded maintenance backlogs and shifting costs to compliant residents
  • Association financial viability: Smaller condos or those with high delinquency rates could face operational crises if alternative collection mechanisms (liens, court proceedings) prove slow or expensive
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill references "essential services" but doesn't clearly specify whether common-area utilities differ from individual unit services, creating potential interpretation disputes
  • Implementation burden: Establishing and enforcing alternative collection procedures may require administrative resources many associations lack, particularly smaller developments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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