China's first regulation on residential property owner self governance out in Guangdong
Wang Er
On Oct. 24, a law drafted by residential property owners themselves to defend the rights of residential property owners, the "Guangdong Province Regulations on Residential Property Owner Self Governance," was submitted to the Guangdong Provincial People's Congress Standing committee by representatives of owners committees for 20 residential buildings. They hope this will provide a basis for amendments to the "Guangdong Real Estate Management Regulation" at the end of this year.

The brains behind this draft is the owner of Guangzhou Doyueju Residential Zone, Sun Weili. He says, "We drafted this regulation to let legislators know our ideas." "We hope to submit another draft of the 'Law on Residential Property Owner Self-Governance' to the NPC on the basis of this."

The regulation emphasizes the concept of "self-governance for residential property owners." The regulation proposes owners be able to dispose of their own property, provided that it does not violate public interests. Within the scope of commonly-owned property, based on different ownership and shares of different parts of the building, owners must form a consensus, establish a self-governance organization, and make their decisions independently.

Experts tell the reporter that although this regulation is progressive in terms of social democracy and upholding residential property owners' rights, some parts conflict with currently existing laws in China. Even if the NPC considers reviewing it, it will be difficult for it to pass review and be implemented.

by reporter Wang Er