Sami Ylenius has started as Setlementtiasunnot’s Property Director.
– In housing, I am interested in energy efficiency, quality of living, and long-term planning, which is life cycle thinking. It is important that apartments remain good to live in for as long as possible and properties remain good to use for as long as possible, he states.
– And for me, as is generally the case for Setlementtiasunnot, responsibility is important. Whether it is environmental responsibility, financial responsibility, or social responsibility, he says.
Residents can influence costs through their actions
For Ylenius, a key aspect of housing is reducing its environmental footprint. For example, how could waste recycling be made more efficient and the amount of mixed waste reduced?
– Residents can significantly influence, through their own actions and choices, how much water and heating, for instance, is consumed. And this naturally affects the rent, he emphasizes.
He also encourages residents to report any observed defects.
– If you notice a defect in a common area, for example, it is worth reporting it instead of thinking that someone else will probably report it. Properties are inspected based on residents reporting issues. The property manager or maintenance person may not notice all issues because they do not live in the building.
Property Management Professional
Ylenius has previously worked for KOVA, an advocacy organization for affordable housing, as well as a technical property manager and property manager in rental housing companies. He is a civil engineer by training.
– I specialize in property management, energy efficiency, and renovation construction, he states.
His job description at Setlementtiasunnot is divided into two major tasks: leading property maintenance and construction management. His workdays are highly varied.
– For residents, the most visible aspect of this is property maintenance. Unfortunately, there have been challenges in this area recently. We have addressed resident feedback and worked hard to improve the resident experience. The maintenance company will change in most of our properties during the autumn.
Ylenius considers it a great advantage that the average age of Setlementtiasunnot’s properties is significantly lower than that of non-profit affordable housing companies in general.
– For residents, my work is quite invisible, as the quality is produced behind the scenes. For example, something might happen in one of our properties, and decisions need to be made on how to react to it.
Cost-effectiveness is important
Ylenius says he has enjoyed his time at Setlementtiasunnot.
– The company’s values align with my own, and it is pleasant to be part of this work community. We are very development-oriented here.
– I believe Setlementtiasunnot has a truly excellent property portfolio, and we have an important task to provide affordable housing cost-effectively. Cost-effectiveness is the alpha and omega, and it is also to the tenant’s benefit, he emphasizes.
