Resident survey of the spring – location and friendly staff received praise, room for improvement in cleanliness
The survey was sent by e-mail to all Aalto University Student Union residents, and we received a total of 842 responses.
Location, price and friendly staff as strengths
In the survey responses, the convenient location of AYY housing near the campus, the low rent level and friendly staff received the highest ratings. In addition, the residents who responded to the survey appreciated the good location of waste collection facilities, as well as the fact that they were able to move into their apartments on time.
Room for improvement in the cleanliness of shared facilities and clarifying maintenance responsibilities
The lowest rating in the survey was given to the cleanliness of shared facilities in shared housing. The survey also revealed other challenges related to cleanliness: apartments could be cleaner when moving in and the cleaning of laundry rooms could be more efficient. In addition, the survey showed that the division of maintenance responsibilities should be more visible to residents.
Addressing the challenges
Although it is the responsibility of the residents to clean the shared facilities in shared housing, we are considering various possibilities to improve cleanliness. In addition, AYY is currently tendering real estate services, which also include property cleaning. We have taken into account the challenges in cleanliness in the tendering process in order to select services that meet the current needs as well as possible.
In addition, AYY has a website renewal project underway, which makes it easier to find housing-related information, such as the division of responsibilities chart. We hope that we can continue to offer our members housing with the best value for money!
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Ecological sustainability policy has been updated – AYY transitions to a plant-based policy
Aalto University Student Union (AYY) has updated its ecological sustainability policy, which supports AYY’s daily operations. The new document directs AYY to serve plant-based food and drinks at its events. In the future, food waste will be minimised, and 30 percent of air and ship travel costs will be offset towards environmental activities.
AYY is taking steps to improve equity in its operations – new equity plan approved by RepCo
Aalto University Student Union has an equity plan, first in AYY’s history, that was approved in the Representative Council meeting on 21.11.2024. Equity plan will guide AYY towards more accessible and inclusive ways for our students to participate in AYY’s events and operations.
Good news for residents in shared apartments: Here’s how you can receive your own housing allowance while living in a friends’ apartment!
A joint liability rental agreement may affect the housing allowance, as Kela typically grants only one housing allowance for a shared household, which is influenced by the income of both residents. However, residents in friends’ apartments may receive separate housing allowances if Kela reviews them as separate households. This requires tenants with a joint liability rental agreement to draft a mutual possession agreement for the apartment and submit it as an appendix with their housing allowance application to Kela. Tenants draft the possession agreement by themselves.