Can I replace windows in an apartment block without the association’s approval? What Law 196/2018 says

You live in an apartment block and want to replace your windows, but you wonder whether you need the owners' association's approval? The short answer: in most cases NO, if you keep the same size, shape and appearance. But there are situations where approval becomes mandatory, and failing to obtain it can lead to conflicts, complaints and even the obligation to revert to the original state. This guide explains, based on Romania's Law 196/2018, exactly when you can replace windows freely and when you need the association's approval.

The general rule: identical replacement requires no association approval

Replacing old windows with new ones of the same size, shape and appearance is considered maintenance and modernisation work on individual property. For such work, the law allows you to proceed freely, without requesting the owners' association's approval and without a building permit. This remains valid even if you change the material — for example, replacing old wooden windows with PVC or aluminium ones.

In practice, if the new window has the same dimensions, the same colour (usually white) and the same division as the old one, the intervention does not affect the façade's appearance and requires no one's approval.

> Recommendation: even if you are not legally obliged, it is good to inform the association through a simple notification. It avoids disputes with neighbours and demonstrates good faith in case of later disagreements.

The block's façade is common property

This is the key to understanding. According to Law 196/2018, the block's façade is a common part of the building — it belongs to all owners, not just the one behind that particular window. Therefore, any intervention that changes the façade's appearance is no longer just up to you.

This means that, as long as your new window looks the same as the others (same colour, shape and configuration), you are not modifying the façade. But if you install a window of a different colour, with a different division or a different shape, you change the appearance of the common façade — and here the association's rules come into play.

When you DO need the association's approval

Approval becomes mandatory when the work affects the façade or common parts. The main situations:

For constructive modifications of the façade, Law 196/2018 requires the approval of two thirds of the association's member owners, plus the approval of all directly affected owners, and a building permit.

Why façade uniformity matters

Many associations have rules in their condominium regulations about maintaining a unified façade appearance. The logic is simple: if every owner installed windows of different colours and shapes, the façade would become a disorderly mosaic, lowering the value of the entire building. That is why, before choosing a colour or configuration different from the block standard, check the association's regulations. If you also want to know what the legislation says from the city hall's perspective, read Do I need a building permit to replace windows.

What you risk if you ignore the rules

If you modify the façade without the association's approval, the other owners or the association can report you to the city hall or in court. The consequences can include the obligation to revert to the original appearance (at your expense), fines for unauthorised work and lasting conflicts with neighbours. At a possible sale of the apartment, unregistered modifications can create problems. To make sure you choose a compliant solution, see How to choose energy-efficient windows.

> Any owner in the block can report non-compliant façade modifications — not just direct neighbours.

FAQ — Window replacement in an apartment block

Can I replace windows in an apartment block without the association's approval?

Yes, if you keep the same size, shape and appearance (including colour). Identical replacement is maintenance work on individual property and requires no association approval. It is, however, recommended to inform the association through a simple notification.

When do I need the association's approval for windows?

When you change the façade's appearance: changing the joinery colour, the shape or division of the window, the opening size, or enclosing the balcony. The façade is common property, and constructive modifications require the approval of two thirds of owners plus those directly affected.

Does changing the window colour affect the façade?

Yes. If the block has white windows and you install anthracite or differently coloured ones, you modify the appearance of the common façade, which requires the association's approval under Law 196/2018 and, often, a building permit.

What happens if I replace windows without approval when it was required?

The association or other owners can report you to the city hall or in court. You may be obliged to revert to the original appearance at your own expense, you may receive fines for unauthorised work and you may have problems when selling the apartment.

Must I notify the association even for an identical replacement?

Legally you are not obliged for an identical replacement, but it is recommended. A simple notification avoids misunderstandings with neighbours and demonstrates good faith if later disputes arise about the façade's appearance.

Neofort BIZ installs Salamander PVC and Alumil aluminium joinery in apartment blocks in Bucharest and Ilfov, respecting the existing dimensions and appearance when no façade modification is desired. Request a free on-site assessment.