kunnossapitovelvoite

Kunnossapitovelvoite, or maintenance obligation, is a legal concept describing the duty to keep a property, its equipment, or infrastructure in a good and safe condition. The obligation can arise from law, from contracts, or from the relationship between parties such as owners, tenants, or co-owners. Its scope typically includes regular upkeep, repairs, and replacement of worn or defective parts, as well as compliance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements.

In the context of real estate and housing arrangements, kunnossapitovelvoite often appears in shared-property environments such as housing corporations (taloyhtiöt) or other co-ownership structures. The housing company generally bears responsibility for maintaining common areas and structural elements, while individual owners pay maintenance charges (vastike) to fund upkeep. A maintenance plan or budget, approved by the company’s board, guides when and how repairs should be carried out, and the distribution of costs is usually linked to ownership shares or agreed rules in the yhtiöjärjestys.

In lease relationships, the landlord typically retains responsibility for structural repairs and major renovations, whereas the tenant handles ordinary maintenance and minor repairs unless the lease or a separate agreement specifies otherwise. Breach of kunnossapitovelvoite can lead to remedies under contract or civil law, including obligations to perform repairs, compensate for damages, or adjust terms.

The concept interacts with building codes, safety regulations, and municipal obligations, ensuring that maintenance supports the ongoing usability and safety of properties.