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Restriction on the Installation of Air Conditioning Units in a Residential Complex in Santos, on the São Paulo Coast, Affects About 260 Families, Causes Reports of Discomfort, Aggravates Health Issues During Extreme Heat Waves, and Exposes Conflict Between Residents and the Builder Over Technical and Contractual Responsibilities
Residents of a condominium in Santos have been facing a deadlock related to the installation of air conditioning units in the apartments for about five years. Information collected from a report by Balanço Geral Litoral, from Record.
The situation has become more serious in recent months, with intense heatwaves in the São Paulo coast, increasing discomfort and health risks for residents and workers.
The development includes approximately 260 apartments spread across 13 blocks. For many families, the purchase of the property represented a long-term investment and the realization of the dream of homeownership.
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However, over time, structural problems and technical limitations began to compromise the quality of life at the site.
Restriction on Air Conditioning Installation Was Not Previously Informed
According to residents, the restriction on the installation of air conditioning units was not communicated at the time of signing the contract or when the keys were handed over.
They claim they only discovered the limitation after already living in the apartments, which generated dissatisfaction and a sense of loss.
Some condo owners report that at initial meetings with representatives from the builder, they were informed that installation would be possible, provided that window-type air conditioning units were not used.
According to the residents, split-type units had been authorized, including video recordings of virtual meetings held at the beginning of the occupancy of the buildings.
However, as the years went by, negotiations did not progress. The builder began to argue that the original electrical plan does not include specific infrastructure to support air conditioning units in the residential units.
Debate on Responsibility and Adaptation Costs
According to the position presented by the company responsible for the development, any necessary adaptations to enable the installation of the equipment must be performed by the condominium.
This includes hiring legally qualified professionals to create a new technical project and obtaining approval from the local electricity utility.
Residents, however, consider this requirement unjust. They argue that there was no clear information about this technical limitation at the time of purchase and that, therefore, the responsibility should not fall solely on the condo owners.
Another point raised is that part of the electrical system is still under warranty. Based on this, residents argue that the builder should at least share the responsibility or provide a technical solution that does not transfer the entire cost to the condominium.
Structural Failures Increase Dissatisfaction
In addition to the climate control issue, residents report other structural problems in the buildings. One of the most common is the detachment of flooring in common areas and inside various blocks, a situation observed since the early years after the delivery of the housing complex.
According to reports, loose flooring poses a risk of accidents, especially involving children, the elderly, and people with reduced mobility. Residents state that the problem affects several blocks and that, so far, there has been no definitive solution.
In some units, residents claim to have been forced to undertake complete renovations shortly after receiving their apartments. Bathroom fittings have reportedly come loose, flooring has cracked, and finishes have shown defects, resulting in additional costs for families who, in many cases, are still paying mortgage financing.
Direct Impacts on Health and Daily Life
As temperatures in the area have risen, the lack of air conditioning has begun to directly affect residents’ health. There are reports of difficulties sleeping, constant feelings of suffocation, and worsening respiratory problems.
One resident reported she suffers from asthma and depends on continuous use of fans to try to relieve the heat, which is not always sufficient. For her, adequate climate control has ceased to be a matter of comfort and has become a basic necessity, especially in a coastal city.
Workers in the concierge and other areas of the condominium also report difficulties.
According to residents, these workers face intense heat during their shifts, with limited ventilation and direct sun exposure, with reports of malaise on hotter days.
Builder’s Response and Possible Legal Paths
In an official statement reported by Record, the builder stated that the buildings were delivered in August 2020 and that the electrical and structural projects followed all current regulations at the time of construction.
The company emphasized that there is no provision for specific infrastructure for air conditioning units and that any adaptations should be carried out by the condominium.
Despite this, residents contest the presented version and claim that there was a promise that the buildings would be suitable for this type of installation.
In the absence of an agreement, some condo owners are considering gathering contracts, meeting records, and other documents to seek solutions through administrative or judicial means.
Alert for Future Property Buyers
The case serves as an alert for people interested in purchasing properties off-plan or newly delivered. Specialists and residents emphasize the importance of carefully analyzing contracts, descriptive memorials, and technical projects before making a purchase.
The expectation of those investing in their own homes is to obtain security, comfort, and predictability.
When structural problems and previously undisclosed limitations arise, the financial and emotional strain tends to be high, especially for families who depend on the property as their primary residence. For this reason, the installation of air conditioning in condominiums is essential.
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