Modern apartment living is no longer defined solely by heating and water – high-speed internet access and electric vehicle charging options are becoming increasingly important. It often starts with one person’s need, but practical solutions are reached when neighbours and the apartment association act together.
Apartment association general meetings are precisely where such ideas take shape, as any major change requires a majority of apartment owners’ votes, along with attendance or participation in a written vote. A general meeting has a quorum if more than half of the votes and common ownership shares are represented, unless the articles of association prescribe otherwise.
High-speed internet is not out of reach – opportunities arise through neighbours working together
If high-speed internet (eg a fibre-optic connection) is not currently available in the building, it is often not a technical issue but an economic one. Service providers are generally willing to build out new network segments when:
- there is sufficient interest in the building or group of buildings;
- there is a willingness to contribute a reasonable share towards connection or infrastructure construction costs.
Decisions in apartment associations are often made at spring general meetings, where annual plans and investments are approved, including potential upgrades to utility systems. The management plan is effectively the association’s annual budget, setting out both the works and the allocation of costs among apartment owners.
An example of a practical solution:
If at least 5 out of 10 apartments in a building express interest in connecting to high-speed internet and there is technical readiness in the area, the service provider can usually begin planning the build-out.
The association’s management board may place such a topic on the agenda of a general meeting or initiate a written vote, which is a legally valid way of adopting decisions without convening a meeting. The greater the interest, the higher the likelihood that high-speed internet can be provided at your address.
You can also check on Enefit’s homepage how close a high-speed internet connection is to your address.
Planning to buy an electric car? Be sure to discuss it with your apartment association
The number of electric vehicles is growing rapidly, and with it the need for home charging options. Legislation sets out requirements for new and renovated buildings, but in existing apartment buildings the development of charging infrastructure must be decided at the association level.
Why is it important to raise the issue early?
There are two types of charging solutions:
1. Apartment-based charger (individual solution)
- suitable if you want to charge at your personal parking space;
- the electricity connection comes from your apartment’s electrical distribution board;
- all installation and maintenance costs are borne by the owner;
- as the charger is installed in a common area (eg on a wall, in a landscaped area or on a pole), written approval from the apartment association is required.
2. Apartment-based solution where an apartment association charging system is already in place (in new developments)
- suitable if you want to charge at your personal parking space;
- the electricity connection is provided from the apartment association’s electrical distribution board (charging readiness has been established);
- all installation and maintenance costs are borne by the owner;
3. Apartment association charging readiness (shared solution)
- suitable where there are multiple electric vehicle users or interested residents in the building;
- costs are shared by agreement (eg via the maintenance fund or as a one-off payment);
- for large-scale infrastructure installation, majority approval is required – more than half of the votes and common ownership shares must be in favour of the decision.
The state supports the development of charging infrastructure in apartment buildings, making joint investments even more accessible. Associations with at least ten parking spaces are eligible to apply for support, and the amount depends on the number and capacity of the chargers. Read more: https://kik.ee/et/toetatavad-tegevused/elektriauto-laadimistaristu-toetus
Shared decisions driven by real needs
In apartment associations, it is common for larger upgrades to begin with the request of a single resident — whether it is high-speed internet, a charger or renovation works. However, implementing such changes requires the understanding and support of other residents.
By working together, a fairer distribution of costs is achieved, along with higher-quality and more comprehensive solutions (eg unified cabling and charging infrastructure), greater transparency in decision-making, compliance with the law, and more favourable prices from service providers.
Apartment owners may also submit agenda items to the management board before the general meeting or initiate discussions electronically. Meetings may also be held online, and decisions can be adopted without a physical meeting if the draft decision is sent to all owners in a format that can be reproduced in writing.
What to do if the issue arises during the year?
Not all decisions need to wait until spring – the law allows the apartment association to make decisions:
- by electronic voting,
- by written approval,
- at a special general meeting, if the matter is urgent.
This means that both the development of an internet connection and the approval of an individual charger can be completed within a matter of weeks.
Steps to reach solutions within the apartment association
If, as a resident, you need high-speed internet or electric vehicle charging:
1. Speak with the management board and your neighbours
You may find that there are other interested residents in the building.
2. Raise the issue at a meeting or through a written vote
This ensures transparency and legal compliance.
3. Find like-minded residents – by working together, solutions are more cost-effective and sustainable.
The number of interested residents influences both the level of investment and service providers’ willingness to develop the infrastructure.
An apartment association is a cooperative body of its residents — the greater the openness and communication, the faster solutions emerge that improve the quality of life for everyone.
