New rules on where you can install air conditioners in Croatia clarified

New laws have come into effect

Croatia’s Ministry of Construction has issued guidance to clarify confusion surrounding air conditioner installation following the introduction of the new Law on Building Management and Maintenance.

Residents and contractors were left uncertain after the law took effect, unsure whether they could legally install air conditioning units on building facades. Some contractors even refused to carry out work until the rules were made clearer.

As Večernji list reported, Ministry now explains that a street-facing facade is defined as one that looks directly onto a street or square.

Facades facing internal courtyards, parks, forests, or car parks that are not streets are not considered “street-facing.”

This means air conditioning units can be installed on those facades without breaching the new law.

However, the Ministry reiterates that facades—unless stated otherwise in a co-ownership agreement—are considered common parts of a building.

Any modification, including installation of external AC units, requires majority approval from co-owners, similar to decisions on energy renovations or facade upgrades.

For street-facing facades, air conditioning units may only be installed within balconies, terraces, or loggias, and must not be visible from public spaces. If a flat has no balcony or terrace, alternative options such as monoblock or portable units are recommended.

In cases where those alternatives are not viable, the Ministry suggests installing ventilation covers to conceal external units.

These must be uniformly designed, match the building’s facade colour, and be implemented as part of a single approved project, agreed upon by co-owners.

Importantly, existing AC units on street-facing facades do not need to be removed. If replaced, however, they must comply with the new law.

Temporary removal for repairs or energy renovation is permitted, provided the unit returns to its original position.