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Top Ten Legal Oddities in Cyprus
Since coming to practise in Cyprus I have encountered some weird and wonderful laws which are (strictly speaking) still enforceable in Cyprus. Bear in mind that some of the below laws are widely disregarded, but if you’ve ever wondered why your neighbour keeps picking your olives, why there is a new lifeguard hanging around the communal pool at your building complex or why your spouse appears to be divorcing you twice then read on…
Here are my top ten legal oddities in Cyprus:
- Oddity Number 1 – You Should Register Your Dog
According to the law, dogs must be registered with some local municipalities. If they are not registered then the Municipality is within its rights to fine you if they discover you are harbouring an illegal dog!
2. Oddity Number 2 –Pools Need a Lifeguard
A recent change in the law means that public pools need to feature a number of amenities including changing rooms and a lifeguard. However, there is no definition in place as to what constitutes a “public” pool – this has led some people to speculate that “public” could include a communal pool in a self contained complex of houses!
3. Oddity Number 3 – Until Transfer of Title, Only the Developer Can Sue for Non-Payment of Communal Expenses
Communal expenses are essential charges in order to keep a building/complex well maintained, but did you know that if the title deeds are not yet available for the building/complex then it is only the original developer who can take action against someone who will not pay their share? Of course – often the developer has long since forgotten the development and the unit holders are left unable to take action against someone who will not pay.
4. Oddity Number 4 – Pick Your Own
In Cyprus there are archaic laws still in effect which can give someone a right to come onto your land and pick your fruit and olives – even if you own the land upon which the trees are growing!
- Oddity Number 5 – Don’t Cut Down Your Olive Tree
Did you know that olive trees are a protected tree in Cyprus and action can be taken against you if you cut one down?
6. Oddity Number 6 – Your Lawyer Cant Get a Copy of The Title Deed Without…
…a copy of the title deed!!! Yes – in order to undertake a search against the title to a property we need to see an old copy of the title deed (or at least have the registration number). We cannot search against a property address – which would be possible in the UK.
7. Oddity Number 7 – You Can’t Get a Mortgage Approval Without Signing Up
Most banks will only fully approve a mortgage application once you have signed the contract of sale. Obviously this is a bit late if your mortgage application is rejected…
8. Oddity Number 8 – No Time to Cool Off
Most British purchasers are used to a cooling off period if they buy something on credit purchase – but beware not to rely on this in Cyprus! Here, most often, once you are signed up – there is no changing your mind.
9. Oddity Number 9 – You Might Have To Divorce Twice!
For those readers thinking of divorcing a Cypriot then it could be that you need to divorce twice – once in the civil sphere and once through the Church. Moreover, the Church here can refuse to grant permission for the divorce in certain circumstances.
10. Oddity Number 10 –True Love Depends on Who Your Godparents Are
In the Cypriot Church it is not possible for the Godchildren of one Godparent to marry – even if they come from totally unconnected families. It is for this reason that some cautious Cypriot people will only agree to be Godparent to children of one sex (all boys or all girls – but not a mixture of both!).
© Louise Zambartas
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