Earthquake in Panama: Can I Return to My Condo?

Short answer: Do not re-enter a damaged building on impulse. Ask the board for a written structural inspection by a licensed engineer, and only return once that report clears your building.

If you own or rent in a Panama condominium (P.H.), the October 9, 2026 earthquake may have left you outside, or abroad and unsure what is happening. Here is what to look for and what to ask.

Warning signs you must not ignore

• Diagonal or X-shaped cracks in columns, beams or load-bearing walls.
• Uneven floors or stairs, doors that no longer close.
• Spalling concrete or exposed rebar.
• Gas smell or water leaks.
• Elevators that should not be used until inspected.

If you see any of these, do not enter and notify the administrator and the authorities.

What to demand from the board or administrator

1. A structural inspection by a licensed engineer or architect, in writing. The board may hire technicians when needed (Law 284, art. 80).
2. Clear, written information on which areas are closed and why.
3. A check of elevators, gas, pumps and electrical before reopening.
4. A claim to the building’s insurer. The law contemplates earthquake coverage for the whole building (art. 25).
5. An extraordinary owners’ meeting if repairs or fees must be decided. It can be called by the board, the administrator or, on their own right, 20% of owners who are current on fees (art. 64).

What you can do

• Document damage in your unit with dated photos and video.
• Check your own policy if you carry multi-risk insurance on your unit (art. 56) and report the loss.
• Keep all communications with management.
• Do not do structural work yourself. Structural parts are common property (art. 16).
• If you are a tenant, also notify the owner and review your lease.
• If you live abroad, ask for updates in writing and give a proxy to someone you trust for the meeting.

What if the board does nothing?

You can gather at least 20% of owners who are current on fees and call an extraordinary meeting yourselves (art. 64). The notice needs the minimum details of art. 66 and the signatures of the owners with their unit registration data.

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether the building is habitable?

A licensed engineer and the competent authorities, not the board alone and not neighbors by opinion.

Can I stop paying my condo fees because of the quake?

Not recommended. Units that are not current may not count in votes and can accrue surcharges. Consult a lawyer.

Who pays for the repairs?

Common areas and structure are paid by the building through common fees, the building’s insurance, the Contingency Fund or an approved special assessment. What is inside your unit is yours, covered by your policy if you have one.

Informational only; it does not replace an engineer’s opinion or legal advice.

Related guides

• Cracked Column in a Panama Condo: What to Do Now
• Cracked Wall in Your Panama Condo After the Quake
• Emergency Owners' Meeting in a Panama Condo: How to Call One
• Is It Safe to Move to Panama in 2026? Expat Guide