Condo in Panama, Owner Abroad: After an Earthquake

Short answer: If you own a condo in Panama and nobody can visit it, do five things in the first 72 hours: contact the building administrator, ask for the building’s written safety status, get a trusted person to photograph your unit, check your insurance deadlines, and appoint someone to represent you at the owners’ meeting. Do not fly in just to look; most of this can be done remotely if you have a local representative.

1. Contact the building administrator (day 1)

Write to the administrator or board, by email and WhatsApp, and ask three things: has the building been inspected, is it open for occupancy, and is an emergency owners’ meeting being called. If your building has no administrator, the board (junta directiva) is the contact. Keep every reply in writing.

2. Ask for the building’s safety status in writing

Do not rely on “it’s fine.” Ask whether a structural engineer or the competent authority has reviewed the building, and request the report or a summary. Until the building is cleared, owners should not re-enter damaged areas.

3. Get your unit checked and photographed

You need dated photos and a short written note of: cracks in walls and ceilings, doors or windows that no longer close, water leaks, and anything fallen. A person you trust, or a property manager, can do this and send you a report. Do not ask a neighbor to open your unit without clear authorization from you.

4. Check your insurance deadlines

There are usually two policies: the building’s policy (contracted by the owners’ meeting) and your own unit policy, if you have one. Both have deadlines to report a claim. Send your insurer a written notice now, even before you know the damage. See our guide to earthquake insurance for condo owners in Panama.

5. Appoint a representative for the owners’ meeting

After a quake the building may call an emergency meeting to decide on repairs and, possibly, a special assessment. If you cannot attend, you can usually be represented with a written power of attorney or proxy, and many buildings allow virtual attendance. Check your building’s bylaws and Law 284 of 2022; see how to attend a condo meeting from abroad.

What an owner abroad should not do

Do not pay a special assessment without the meeting minutes and a quote.
Do not sign a repair contract through WhatsApp without a written scope.
Do not give a general power of attorney to someone you just met.

How we help

Duran Real Estate works with owners who live abroad, in English and Spanish. We can send you a photo inspection report of your unit, represent you at an emergency owners’ meeting with your written authorization, and send you a plain-language summary of what was decided. We also administer entire buildings and rental units.

Ask for a quote on WhatsApp

Frequently asked questions

Can I be represented at the owners’ meeting if I’m abroad?

Usually yes, with a written authorization (proxy or power of attorney) and, in many buildings, by virtual attendance. Confirm the requirements with the building bylaws and a Panamanian lawyer.

Who pays for earthquake damage in a condo?

Common areas are paid by the owners together, usually through the building insurance or a special assessment; damage inside your unit is yours. See who pays earthquake damage.

Do I need to travel to Panama after an earthquake?

Often not. A local representative can inspect, report and attend meetings for you. Travel only if there is a decision that requires your personal signature.

This is general information, not legal advice. Have a Panamanian lawyer review your specific situation.