What the law guarantees you
Right to attend
Every owner has the right to attend the assembly (Art. 15 LPH). No one can deny you entry if you are an owner and can prove it. If they try, demand it be recorded in the minutes.
Right to speak
You have the right to speak on every agenda item. The chair may manage the speakers' list, but cannot deny you the right to speak. If denied, request it be minuted.
Right to ask questions
You may ask the board questions — the president, the secretary-administrator — on any agenda item. They are obliged to answer. If they don't, request it be minuted.
Right to vote
If you are current on your fees, you have voting rights. If denied without justification, demand it be recorded in the minutes with your name and the reason given.
Right to have your dissenting vote recorded
If you vote against a resolution, expressly request that your dissenting vote be recorded in the minutes. This is critical: only owners who voted against or were absent can challenge resolutions (Art. 18 LPH).
Right to formally protest
If you observe an irregularity — a suspicious delegation, an unjustified rejection, a matter not on the agenda — you can protest and demand your protest be reflected in the minutes.
Right to be accompanied
You may attend with a lawyer or adviser. That person may speak on your behalf if you authorise them.
Before, during and on the way out
Before entering
Bring your ID, your deed of purchase or a document proving ownership. If representing a company, bring the commercial registry extract. Arrive early — 9:00 if you can.
During the assembly
Take notes. Record who chairs, who acts as secretary, how many attend, and what is said on each item. If something seems wrong, speak up and demand it be minuted.
On the way out
Request a copy of the minutes as soon as available. You're entitled to it. Compare your notes with the minutes. If there are discrepancies, you have 3 months to challenge (Art. 18 LPH).
The most powerful sentence you can say at an assembly is: "I request this be recorded in the minutes." What's in the minutes has legal force. What isn't, doesn't exist.
Your premises. Your money. Your vote.