Do you want to demolish a wall in your apartment? One mistake can cost you dearly

Opening the kitchen to the living room, moving the wall between rooms or separating an additional room are popular ways to change the layout of the apartment. Not every such interference requires obtaining a building permit or submitting a notification. However, it is crucial to determine what type of wall we are dealing with.

The construction law does not contain one general definition of a partition wall. In practice, it is a wall that serves to divide rooms and does not bear the structural loads of the building. If it is located inside one apartment and does not interfere with the common areas or adjacent apartments, its removal generally does not require a permit or notification.

Demolishing a wall in the apartment

In its interpretation of February 2025, the General Office of Construction Supervision indicated that the construction, removal or change of the arrangement of non-structural partition walls within a separated apartment does not constitute reconstruction or even construction work within the meaning of the Construction Law. Such works can therefore be treated as a change in interior design.

However, the owner should first make sure that the wall is actually a partition. Its thickness alone does not determine its function. The following are important, among others: building construction technology, ceiling layout or material. Technical documentation may be helpful, and in case of doubt, the assessment of the constructor or designer.

A load-bearing wall means additional formalities

The situation is different when the planned work concerns a load-bearing wall. Making a hole in it, widening a passage or removing a fragment may affect the safety of the entire building. In a block of flats, such interference generally requires a building permit and a design prepared by a person with appropriate authorizations.

A structural wall may also be part of the common property, even if it is physically located inside a specific apartment. If the work concerns a common area, the owner must obtain appropriate consent. In a typical community with more than three apartments, the reconstruction of the common property requires a resolution of the owners.

Be careful with gas and ventilation

Even when the wall being removed is a partition, additional installation responsibilities may arise. The gas installation is of particular importance. Its implementation inside or outside the building does not require a building permit, but is subject to notification.

Combining the kitchen with the living room may also change the conditions of ventilation and use of gas appliances. Therefore, the lack of formalities at the wall itself does not automatically mean that each new room layout will comply with the requirements.

Doing it on your own may result in costs

If the owner removes a section of a structural wall or makes a hole in it without the required documents, construction supervision may become interested in the matter. It may be necessary to provide documentation, implement security measures or bring the works into compliance with the law.

In addition, there is liability for any damages. Cracks in neighboring premises, damage to installations or flooding may mean the need to cover the costs of repairs. Therefore, before starting the demolition, you should first of all determine the type of wall, check the installation and assess whether the renovation interferes with the common parts of the building.