Which rooms can be considered ancillary?

Among the many pieces of information in adverts for properties for sale or flats to rent, ancillary rooms are often mentioned. Are you wondering what this term means? What spaces can be described in this way? Read on to learn more about the ancillary rooms that belong to a property.

What are ancillary rooms belonging to a property?

An ancillary room (pomieszczenie przynależne), according to the Act on the Ownership of Premises of 24 June 1994, is a separate space that forms an integral part of a residential unit, although it does not necessarily have to be located directly within it. It may be situated on another floor or even in another building, as long as it lies within the boundaries of the plot of land from which the unit was separated. The agreement establishing separate ownership of the unit specifies which room belongs to a given flat. Its floor area is added to the area of the unit and entered in the land and mortgage register (księga wieczysta) as the total usable area. Several ancillary rooms may be assigned to one property.

Types of ancillary rooms

The most common ancillary rooms include:

• cellar – most often located in the basement of buildings. It is ideal for storing things that are not used every day, such as bicycles, winter tyres, tools or home-made preserves. Rooms of this type are characteristic of older buildings.
• attic – to be recognised as an ancillary room, it must meet certain conditions. First of all, it must be divided into smaller rooms separated by walls. Then each of these separate rooms must be assigned to a specific residential unit. Only then does the attic cease to be part of the common property and become an ancillary room belonging to a given flat.
• storage unit (komórka lokatorska) – most often located on the same level as the flat, on the ground floor or a half-landing. This kind of room is characteristic of new-build developments.
• garage – it must be an enclosed room, that is, have walls, a ceiling and a door. It is important that the structure is a self-contained building.

Rules for using ancillary rooms

The rules for using ancillary rooms may be set out in the rules of the homeowners' association or in the sale or lease agreement for the property. Generally speaking, the owners or tenants of ancillary rooms are obliged to:

• keep the rooms clean and tidy;
• not use them for purposes inconsistent with their intended use, e.g. for storing explosive or flammable materials;
• not disturb the peace of other residents of the building;
• comply with fire safety regulations.

Summary

Ancillary rooms are an important element of many properties, offering additional usable space that can significantly improve quality of life and the value of the unit. The most common ancillary rooms are cellars, attics, storage units and garages. Each of these rooms has its own specific use and characteristics, and their proper use and upkeep are key to ensuring the safety and convenience of residents.

If you are looking for a flat with ancillary rooms, I will gladly help you find the ideal home. As an estate agent in Katowice, I have extensive experience and offer comprehensive support at every stage of the purchase process. Get in touch with me and I will be happy to help.