When the Concierge Interferes with the Sale of a Property or Oversteps Their Boundaries: How to Protect Yourself

The Most Common Inappropriate Behaviours

During a property sale, the most frequent examples of inappropriate conduct by a concierge include:

1. Inappropriate Comments and Gossip (Unsolicited Information):

   Approaching potential buyers at the entrance and making unsolicited comments about the building, its residents or the apartment itself, such as: “Oh, you’re looking at buying that one? There was a water leak there a couple of years ago…” or “The owners are in a hurry to sell…”

2. Misleading Information About Condominium Fees or Maintenance:

   Providing incorrect figures or exaggerating the building’s running costs, discouraging prospective buyers from proceeding.

3. Lack of Cooperation or Withholding Keys:

   Refusing to facilitate access for professionals carrying out inspections, such as surveyors or mortgage valuers, or behaving rudely towards the estate agent and visitors.

4. Privacy Intrusions and Excessive Curiosity:

   Constantly questioning visitors in the entrance hall or asking intrusive questions about their financial circumstances or the reasons for the sale.

What Are the Risks for the Seller?

A concierge who fails to respect the boundaries of their role can cause tangible harm:

• Devaluation of the Property: Inaccurate or incomplete information may create unnecessary doubts and encourage buyers to make lower offers.

• Loss of Potential Buyers: An unfriendly welcome or an uncomfortable atmosphere in the building entrance may put buyers off before they even view the apartment.

• Invasion of Privacy: A property sale is a private matter between the seller, the buyer and, where applicable, the estate agency.

What Does the Employment Contract Say, and What Are the Concierge’s Limits?

It is important to remember that the concierge is employed by the condominium association, on behalf of all the owners, including the person selling the property. The applicable collective employment agreement and contractual duties establish obligations concerning confidentiality, professional conduct and respect for residents.

• No Role in Property Mediation: The concierge is not an estate agent and has no authority to provide commercial information, valuations or opinions about the property on behalf of the seller.

• Duty of Confidentiality: The concierge must respect residents’ privacy and refrain from disclosing private matters or information about their property transactions.

5 Practical Tips for Handling the Situation

If you notice that the concierge is creating problems during the sale of your property, here is how to act firmly and professionally:

1. Have a Polite, Direct Conversation:

   Speak to the concierge privately and formally. Explain clearly that all information concerning the sale will be handled exclusively by you or your estate agency, and ask them to limit their involvement to their designated duties.

2. Involve Your Estate Agent:

   An experienced estate agent knows how to manage the initial contact at the building entrance, personally accompanying prospective buyers and avoiding situations in which they are left alone in the entrance hall or exposed to irrelevant comments.

3. Submit a Written Complaint to the Building Manager:

   If the inappropriate behaviour continues, send a formal written complaint to the condominium administrator, setting out the facts objectively, including dates, times and details of what happened. The administrator can assess the matter and take appropriate action in accordance with the employee’s contractual obligations.

4. Verify the Accuracy of the Information:

   Make sure your property documentation, including planning and cadastral records and the condominium expense statements issued by the administrator, is complete and transparent. This will help you promptly address any unfounded rumours or misleading statements.

5. Formal Disciplinary Action in Serious Cases:

   If the concierge’s conduct causes demonstrable harm, such as the documented loss of a purchase offer, the condominium administrator or the appropriate employer representatives may consider formal disciplinary procedures, in accordance with applicable law and employment rules.

In Conclusion

Selling a home is an important and sensitive step. No external factor, including an overly intrusive building employee, should unnecessarily jeopardise the process.

Working with property professionals also means having someone by your side who understands condominium dynamics and can manage them discreetly, protecting the privacy and peace of mind of your transaction from the first viewing to completion.

💡 Selling an apartment in a condominium building and want a smooth, discreet sale?

Contact Domus Sicilia Immobiliare for a consultation and a tailored selling strategy!