taloyhtiöistä

A taloyhtiö, or housing company, is a common form of property ownership in Finland. It is a legal entity established to own and manage an apartment building or a block of apartments. When you purchase an apartment in a taloyhtiö, you are not buying the physical space outright but rather acquiring ownership shares in the company, which grants you the right to occupy a specific apartment.

The responsibilities of a taloyhtiö typically include maintaining common areas such as stairwells, laundry rooms, saunas, and grounds. They also manage essential services like heating, water, and waste disposal. The residents of the apartments are members of the taloyhtiö and collectively make decisions about its operation and finances.

Finances are managed through monthly housing company fees, known as vastike or yhtiövastike. These fees cover the maintenance costs, loan repayments, and any planned renovations or repairs. Major decisions, such as significant renovations or changes to the rules, are made at general meetings where shareholders vote.

Each apartment has a specific share in the taloyhtiö, and the size of this share often influences the proportion of housing fees paid and voting power at meetings. The building's rules, known as yhtiöjärjestys, outline the specific regulations and rights of the shareholders. The management of a taloyhtiö is often handled by a professional management company or by a board elected from among the shareholders.