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The condominium garage is behind many of the questions that reach the management company: can I store furniture in my space? Can an LPG car park in the basement? Can I install a charger for my electric car without permission? Can I rent my space to someone who does not live in the building? The answers depend on the title deed, the regulations and several specific laws. In this guide we bring together the rules in force in 2026, with links to official sources, so you know what you can and cannot do in the garage.
In short
- If the title deed says nothing, garages are presumed to be common parts (art. 1421(2)(d) of the Civil Code).
- Even in your own space, you cannot use it for a purpose other than the one intended (art. 1422(2)(c)).
- LPG vehicles with compliant components may park in enclosed and underground car parks, provided they are ventilated (Law 13/2013).
- Any owner may install, at their own expense, an electric charging point in their space, with 30 days’ prior written notice when the installation passes through common parts (art. 23 of Decree-Law 93/2025).
- The condominium can only object in the cases provided for by law and has 30 days to decide.
Who owns the parking space
The starting point is always the title deed of horizontal property. There are three possibilities: the space is part of a unit (exclusive property), it is a common part assigned to one owner’s exclusive use (article 1421(3)), or it is shared parking. If the title deed says nothing, the garage is presumed to be common.
Using the garage: parking, not storage
Article 1422(2)(c) prohibits using a unit for a purpose other than the one intended. A parking space is meant for parking vehicles. Storing furniture, building materials, tyres or flammable products may breach the title deed and the regulations and increases the risk of fire in enclosed spaces. The regulations may allow some small storage (for example, a closed cupboard at the back of the space), but must say so expressly.
| Situation | Rule in 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Space not assigned in the title deed | Presumed to be a common part | Art. 1421(2)(d) |
| Storage in the space | Must not undermine its use for parking; the regulations may set limits | Art. 1422(2)(c) |
| LPG car in the basement | Allowed if components comply and the car park is ventilated | Law 13/2013 |
| EV charger in the space | The owner’s right, with 30 days’ prior notice if it passes through common parts | DL 93/2025, art. 23 |
| Renting out the space | Possible if the space is part of the unit or the exclusive use allows it; regulations apply | Arts. 1420 and 1422 |
LPG cars in the garage
For years, LPG vehicles were banned from underground car parks. Law 13/2013 changed the rule: vehicles whose LPG components are approved and installed in line with the applicable technical requirements may park in enclosed and underground car parks, provided these are ventilated and comply with fire safety legislation. If you have an LPG car, check that the installation is certified and that the vehicle’s registration document is up to date.
Chargers for electric cars
The current regime is in Decree-Law 93/2025 of 14 August, in force since 19 August 2025:
«1 – Sem prejuízo do disposto nos números seguintes, é admitida a instalação, por qualquer condómino, a expensas do próprio, de pontos de carregamento elétrico de veículos destinados a uso exclusivo ou partilhado, nos locais de estacionamento de veículos dos edifícios já existentes […]» — Decree-Law 93/2025, article 23
In plain English: subject to the following paragraphs, any owner may install, at their own expense, electric vehicle charging points for exclusive or shared use in the parking areas of existing buildings.
When the installation passes through common parts, prior written notice to the condominium’s management is mandatory, at least 30 days in advance. The management can only object in five cases, according to the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG):
- If, within 90 days, it installs a shared charging point offering the same services to all potential users;
- If the building already has a shared charging point with those characteristics;
- If the installation demonstrably puts the safety of people or property at risk, backed by a technical opinion;
- If it obstructs movement along the common access routes;
- If accessibility rules in the common areas would no longer be met.
The decision to object must be taken within 30 days, by a simple majority of the building’s total value, recorded in the minutes, with reasons given when negative, and communicated to absent owners within 15 days.
Renting out or selling the parking space
If the space is part of your unit, you can rent it out, provided the tenant complies with the regulations. If it is a separate unit in its own right (some buildings have spaces set up as units), it can be sold separately. If it is a common part for exclusive use, the right of use goes with the unit and cannot be sold separately. It is advisable to tell the management who uses the space, especially if there are remote controls or access cards.
Gate, lighting and cleaning: who pays
Maintenance costs for the common garage (automatic gate, lighting, ventilation, cleaning, fire detection) are paid by everyone in proportion to the permillage. If the garage serves only some owners, the costs are borne by those who use it (article 1424(3)). The regulations can set out the split in more detail. Find out more in how the monthly condominium fee is calculated.
Garage checklist
- Check the nature of your space in the title deed;
- Do not store flammable materials or block circulation routes;
- Keep your LPG car’s installation certified;
- Give 30 days’ written notice before installing an EV charger;
- Tell the management who uses the space and which remote controls have been handed out;
- Report faults with the gate, lights or ventilation.
Enclosed garages and ventilation
Ventilation is essential in enclosed or underground garages, both because of the build-up of exhaust fumes and because of the specific rules for LPG vehicles. Faults in ventilation systems should be reported to the administrator immediately. Fire safety in the common parts, including any detection or extinguishing equipment in the garage, is the condominium’s responsibility. See our guide to condominium regulations for how to set garage rules.
How Condoroo helps
Condoroo manages more than 600 condominiums, with a team of more than 20 professionals. We receive EV charger notices, prepare the general meeting’s decision within the legal deadline when needed and follow up faults with the gate, lighting or ventilation, with more than 35 inspections a day.
Condominium garage: frequently asked questions
Can I store furniture in my parking space?
As a rule, no. The space is for parking and article 1422 prohibits use for a different purpose. The regulations may allow small storage if they say so expressly.
Can my LPG car park in the building's basement?
Yes, if the LPG components are approved and installed in line with the applicable technical requirements and the car park is ventilated (Law 13/2013).
Do I need the general meeting's permission to install a charger?
No. You need to give the management 30 days’ written notice if the installation passes through common parts. The condominium can only object in the cases set out in article 23 of Decree-Law 93/2025.
How long does the condominium have to respond?
The decision to object must be taken within a maximum of 30 days of the notice, by a simple majority of the building’s total value.
Can I rent my space to a neighbour from another building?
If the space is part of your unit, yes, provided the user complies with the regulations. Tell the management for access and security purposes.
Who pays for repairs to the garage gate?
All the owners, in proportion to the permillage, if the garage is common. If it serves only some owners, those who use it pay (art. 1424(3) of the Civil Code).
This article is for information only and does not replace personalised legal advice. Legislation checked on 26 October 2026.
