When you purchase an apartment in Montenegro, there’s an essential administrative step that follows: transferring all utility and maintenance bills to your name. While it may not be the most exciting part of homeownership, it’s crucial for ensuring you avoid issues down the line. Here’s a simple guide to help you through this process.
Before You Pay Off the Apartment
Before finalizing the payment, make sure all bills from the previous owner are settled to zero. This includes electricity, water, garbage, maintenance, and any other obligations tied to the property. Once the purchase is complete, it becomes your responsibility to manage and pay these bills, even if the cadastre (land registry office) takes time to register the title deed in your name.
When to Transfer Bills to Your Name
You can only transfer bills to your name once the title deed is officially registered in your name by the cadastre. Even if you want to start the process immediately after purchase, this legal document is required to proceed.
What Bills to Transfer
Here’s a list of bills that need to be transferred to your name:
1. Electricity
2. Water
3. Garbage
4. Maintenance Fees
5. Internet
Step-by-Step Process for Each Bill
1. Electricity
Where: Electricity office in your town.
When: Every working day from 09:00 to 13:00.
Documents Needed:
Original title deed extracted from the cadastre (not an online version).
Copy of purchase contract or “Rješenje o uknjižbi” (official ownership registration letter from the cadastre).
Passport copy.
Last electricity bill showing a zero balance.
Fulfilled application form (available at the office).
2. Water
Where: Local water distribution office in your town.
When: Every working day from 09:00 to 13:00.
Documents Needed:
Original title deed.
Copy of purchase contract or “Rješenje o uknjižbi.”
Passport copy.
Last water bill showing a zero balance.
3. Garbage Collection
Where: Water distribution office in your town.
When: Every working day from 09:00 to 13:00.
Documents Needed:
Copy of original title deed.
Copy of purchase contract or “Rješenje o uknjižbi.”
Passport copy.
Last garbage bill showing a zero balance.
4. Maintenance Fees
Process: Contact the maintenance company managing your building. You can visit their office or email them. This fee is mandatory, as the residents’ assembly oversees maintaining the common areas.
Documents Needed:
Passport copy.
Title deed copy.
Fee Structure:
Regular buildings: €0.3 per m²/month.
Luxury buildings: ~€1 per m²/month.
Complexes with facilities: €1.5–€7 per m²/month, depending on amenities.
5. Internet
Where: Internet service providers such as Mtel, Telekom, Telenor, or Telemach, depending on availability in your area.
When: Every working day from 09:00 to 17:00.
Process:
Choose a package that suits your needs.
Sign a contract in your name.
Provide your passport.
Installation is typically completed within a few days.
Note: You can move your internet package to a different residence if needed.
Final Tips
Be Organized: Prepare multiple copies of your title deed, purchase contract, and passport to streamline the process.
Act Quickly: Once the title deed is in your name, prioritize transferring the bills to avoid delays or complications.
Check Balances: Ensure all final bills from the previous owner are paid before proceeding with the transfer.
While these steps may seem tedious, completing them ensures a smooth transition to managing your new property. Montenegro’s offices are generally helpful, and with the right documents, you’ll be done in no time!
