Residents frustrated as Oulu apartment building faces operational challenges

In the heart of Oulu, a largely vacant apartment building is facing significant operational challenges, according to its residents. The building has experienced various issues, including a week-long warm water outage in mid-August and recurring heating problems during winter months. Attempts to reach the property management for comment have been unsuccessful.

The building itself has a dilapidated appearance, with few lights on in the evening, broken windows, and signs of forced entry. Of the 25 units, only a small portion is occupied, indicating a broader trend of vacancies in Finland’s apartment buildings. Prior reports have highlighted similar issues in places like Kärkölä and Kokkola, where entire buildings have gone on sale due to lack of demand.

An expert from the Property Federation, Tapio Haltia, noted that the situation in Oulu is exceptional given the city’s growth and central location, where properties generally retain some value. Residents and business operators express deep dissatisfaction with their living conditions and the property’s management.

Leena Hietala, who operates a bridal service there, describes life as difficult, grappling with unsatisfactory heating during the winter and delays in obtaining access to the building. She has made numerous pleas for resolutions but has received no constructive response from the management.

Taija Jyrkäs, another resident, recently filed a police report over management issues, citing a lack of communication from the management since 2020. The ongoing decay of the property raises concerns about its future value and the possibility of bankruptcy, which could leave residents in precarious situations.