Difference between ordinary and extraordinary maintenance: comparison table, examples and costs

Ordinary and extraordinary maintenance: what it really means

Understanding the difference between ordinary and extraordinary maintenance is essential for anyone managing property, whether privately or within a condominium. This distinction affects building permits, cost allocation and access to tax incentives. Knowing the rules helps avoid mistakes, penalties and disputes.

Definitions according to Italian regulations

Ordinary maintenance includes all works related to repair, renewal and replacement of finishes in buildings, as well as activities necessary to keep existing technical systems efficient. These works do not modify the structure or the intended use of the property.
Extraordinary maintenance, on the other hand, involves works that modify structural parts of the building or systems, without changing the overall volume or intended use. This category also includes improvement and modernization interventions that go beyond simple preservation.

Comparison table: ordinary vs extraordinary maintenance

The following table compares the main aspects of the two types of maintenance:

• Definition: Ordinary = preservation and repair; Extraordinary = structural or system modifications
• Examples: Ordinary = painting, replacing taps; Extraordinary = roof renovation, moving partitions
• Permits: Ordinary = none required; Extraordinary = CILA or SCIA
• Who pays: Ordinary = tenant or condominium; Extraordinary = owner or condominium
• Tax incentives: Ordinary = excluded; Extraordinary = often eligible

Practical examples of interventions

To easily identify the type of intervention, here are some practical examples:

• Ordinary maintenance:
• Painting interior or exterior walls
• Replacement of sanitary fixtures or taps
• Cleaning and repair of gutters and downpipes
• Periodic maintenance of systems (boiler, elevator)

• Extraordinary maintenance:
• Roof or façade renovation
• Complete replacement of electrical or plumbing systems
• Moving or demolition of partition walls
• Structural reinforcement of floors or foundations

Permits and administrative procedures

For ordinary maintenance, no building permits are required: it falls under free building activity.
Extraordinary maintenance instead requires the submission of documents such as CILA (Certified Notice of Commencement of Works) for non-structural interventions, or SCIA (Certified Notice of Commencement of Activity) for works involving structural parts. Recent regulatory simplifications have streamlined procedures, but it is always important to verify specific requirements with the local municipality.

Costs and expense allocation

The allocation of costs varies depending on the type of intervention:

• Ordinary maintenance:
• Tenant responsible under lease agreements
• Condominium for common areas, based on ownership shares

• Extraordinary maintenance:
• Owner in case of rental
• Condominium for common areas with proportional allocation

This distinction is essential to avoid disputes and to properly plan the budget.

Tax incentives and benefits

Extraordinary maintenance works may qualify for tax incentives such as the renovation bonus or ecobonus, provided legal requirements are met. Ordinary maintenance is generally excluded from incentives, unless it is part of broader works on condominium common areas.

When to consult a technician

It is advisable to rely on a qualified professional for the correct classification of works, management of building procedures and access to tax benefits. An experienced technician helps avoid errors and ensures compliance with all applicable regulations.

Digital maintenance management: concrete benefits

The use of digital tools such as Digital Twin and CMMS systems allows you to track every intervention, centralize documentation and deadlines, simplify cost allocation and improve collaboration between administrators, technicians and suppliers. Digital management reduces errors, time and costs, making maintenance more efficient and transparent.

Summary: why the distinction is essential

Knowing the difference between ordinary and extraordinary maintenance is essential for informed property management. Only in this way is it possible to correctly plan expenses, comply with regulations and seize all opportunities for savings and innovation.