We own an apartment that was vacant for several weeks. The vaad bayit told us that we have to pay for this time - is this correct?
The apartment has its own entrance, and doesn't benefit from any of the vaad habayit's services. Does it still have to pay, even when occupied?
Answer:
Yes, the common custom is that apartment owners pay the vaad bayit contributions even when the apartment is empty.
If this were not the case, there would be many complications over who has to pay and how much, and the simplest method of ensuring continued maintenance for everybody is to make a general contract (agreement) that all home-owners must pay irrespective of occupancy.
Best wishes.