Dear members, below you will find updates on ongoing and upcoming activities in our association.

Fee Increase and New Budget

The board has finalized next year’s budget, resulting in some changes. The fee will increase by 10% starting January 1st. This adjustment is necessary to balance the budget. As previously mentioned, we face increased costs due to higher interest expenses on our loans, and we’ve also seen a significant rise in costs for elevator maintenance and property management over the past year.

When deciding the fee increase, the board considers several factors:

• Fee per square meter/month in our association compared to others in the area.
• Savings per square meter.
• Estimated loan interest rates for the coming year.
• The total annual increase compared to other associations in the area.

To maintain a “healthy association,” savings per square meter should be at least SEK 200/sqm. However, due to increased costs and the current global situation, this figure has been adjusted to SEK 300/sqm. Historically, our savings have been:

• 2022: SEK 299/sqm
• 2023: SEK 250/sqm

Without any increase from the start of the year (considering the August adjustment), savings would be SEK 137/sqm. A 10% increase brings savings to SEK 210/sqm. To reach SEK 300/sqm, the fee would need to increase by over 22%.

The board opted for a 10% increase, as this ensures savings exceed SEK 200/sqm—a healthy level for an attractive association. Falling below this level is not an option. However, we decided not to raise fees all the way to SEK 300/sqm, as this would make our fees higher than other associations in the area, potentially reducing the association’s attractiveness. Thus, the board decided on a 10% increase.

Additional Budget Adjustments to Reduce Costs

• Reduction of board compensation from SEK 388,460 to SEK 318,000.
• Reduction of garden cleaning from four times a year to two times a year.
• As previously announced, the association’s condominium supplement has been removed.

What Is the Board Doing to Keep Costs Down?

• Reviewing contracts to identify potential cost reductions.
• Evaluating ongoing expenses to see if certain tasks can be performed by the association instead of outsourcing.
• Informing members on how they can contribute to cost reduction.

How Can I, as a Member, Help Reduce Costs?

• Follow the association’s statutes and guidelines.
• Take care of our shared spaces.
• Pick up litter in common areas if you see it.
• Minimize unnecessary use of equipment with limited lifespans, such as elevators, automatic door openers, and garage doors.

Small everyday choices make a big difference in the long run. For example, choosing the door instead of the garage gate more often or taking the stairs when possible helps extend the lifespan of shared resources like the garage door, elevator, and automatic door openers. Additionally, it reduces electricity costs, benefiting us all and keeping fees manageable.

This is not about refraining from using necessary resources—it’s about highlighting that every small effort counts. By working together, we strengthen both our community and the association’s finances. Thank you for contributing!

Is the Intercom System in the Budget?

The intercom system, which has been discussed for some time, is not currently included in the 2025 budget. This is because it represents such a significant investment that it would require a further percentage increase in fees. However, the board does not rule out the possibility of implementing it next year, provided certain costs decrease. For example, if property management costs, elevator expenses, and interest rates turn out to be lower than projected, we would prioritize intercoms as the first major investment—assuming no other unforeseen costs arise.

Removal of the Condominium Supplement

As previously announced, the condominium supplement provided by the association has been removed, and all members have been encouraged to obtain their own. If you haven’t done so yet, it’s not too late, as you can purchase insurance from today’s date. However, coverage will not apply to prior periods.

A condominium supplement extends the coverage of your home insurance. While standard home insurance covers belongings inside the apartment, the supplement covers the apartment itself. This includes incidents such as fire or water damage. Without this supplement, costs in the event of an accident can be very high. You can obtain this supplement through any insurance provider.

Brfekonomen Becomes Nabo

Starting January 1st, Nabo will be our new management portal. Brfekonomen is merging with Nabo, and a transition is currently underway. We will continue using Brfekonomen’s portal until December 31st, after which the switch will occur. More information will be provided in December.

For now, it’s good to know that payment notices will be sent monthly, with the first notice arriving by post in early/mid-December, covering January fees. Later, you will have the option to receive notices via direct debit or e-invoice.

Ventilation

We have unfortunately experienced ventilation issues in several apartments. Previous mandatory ventilation inspections (OVK) have revealed that some have installed non-compliant fan models. Motorized fans are not allowed—they must align with the association’s standard, which is a cooker hood with a damper. Incorrect fans disrupt the system’s balance and can affect neighbors. If you’ve installed a non-compliant fan, you will need to replace it with an approved model.

OVK in Buildings C and D

During the first quarter of 2025, mandatory ventilation inspections (OVK) will be conducted. More information will be sent via email to affected residents in the coming weeks. Please ensure your email is up to date on Brfekonomen’s website. To find your building, refer to the overview map under “Documents & Links” on the website.

Maintenance of the Month

This is a reminder to clean your fan filter in the kitchen. A dirty filter can spread cooking odors to other apartments and negatively affect ventilation. Additionally, a grease-filled filter is a significant fire hazard.

Ideally, filters should be cleaned once a month. The easiest way is to wash the filter in the dishwasher on high heat, without other dishes.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Best regards,
The Board of BRF Barkarby Metropol