The Homeowner’s Manual, also known as the Home User Manual, is a guide or document that the construction company provides to the property owner so they can understand every detail of the building, its operation, and how it functions.
The Homeowner’s Manual includes the main features and specifications of the property, as well as recommendations for the proper use and maintenance of both the individual home and the residential complex. This guide is delivered individually to each homeowner on the day they receive the property.
The Homeowner’s Manual is an independent annex to the documentation included in the Building Logbook (Libro del Edificio). It helps the owner maintain and preserve the property, understand what to do in case of structural damage or technical issues, know how to act in emergency situations, follow environmentally responsible practices, and understand the services available in the property, as well as their rights and obligations.
Preparation of the Homeowner’s Manual and Its Contents
The construction company, together with its technical and specialized team, is responsible for preparing the Homeowner’s Manual. It usually includes the following information:
- General description of the project.
- Specifications of the residential complex, common areas, shared assets, accounts, expenses, taxes, and public services.
- Specifications of the individual dwelling.
- Construction details of the building.
- Project certifications.
- Information about suppliers and contractors for warranty claims.
- Procedure for requesting warranty coverage.
- Recommendations for the proper use and maintenance of the home, including: garden maintenance, doors and flooring, ceramic surfaces, windows and ventilation, openings in walls, paint, electrical appliances, electricity meters, pipes and connections.
- Recommendations for the maintenance of common areas.
- Safety recommendations.
- Responsibilities of the property administration.
- Community regulations and rules of coexistence.
- Duties of co-owners.
- Conditions for expanding or modifying the dwelling.
Regulations Related to the Homeowner’s Manual
The Building Regulation Law (Ley de Ordenación de la Edificación – LOE) includes property owners and users among the agents involved in the building process.
Under this law, property owners are responsible for maintaining the property in good condition through proper use and maintenance, while users must operate the property according to the instructions and recommendations provided in the documentation.
The law reinforces a simple principle: just as vehicles or household appliances are maintained according to the manufacturer’s instruction manual, homes should also be used and maintained following the guidelines and recommendations included in the Homeowner’s Manual.