06.12.2025 00:56
As the general assembly period for determining the fees for residential complexes begins, it is important for citizens to participate in these meetings to avoid potential grievances later on. Yahya Sağır, the President of the Confederation of Facility Managers, has issued important warnings for residents living in sites and apartment buildings.
The President of the Confederation of Facility Managers (TESKON), Yahya Sağır, made an assessment regarding the issues that apartment and site managements and property owners should pay attention to before the general assemblies, which are usually held in January.
"THE CENTER OF ISSUES AFFECTING ALL LIVES" Sağır stated that the general assemblies to be held in the new year in apartments, sites, and collective living spaces are critically important for the healthy management of budget and common living order. He said, "Citizens should actively participate in the decisions to be made at the general assemblies and should thoroughly examine the budgets presented by the managements."
Sağır explained that the ordinary general assemblies held annually in collective living areas do not only mean the election of management but also represent a process where the new year's operating budgets are approved and decisions that directly affect the quality of life are made. Emphasizing that low participation in general assemblies is one of the biggest problems, Sağır pointed out that although these meetings may seem like administrative processes, they are central to all issues affecting life, from determining fees to purchasing security and cleaning services, and from the use of social areas to energy-saving projects.
"THE INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE DIRECTLY AFFECTS COSTS" Highlighting that residents should particularly examine the income-expenditure budgets in the meetings where the new year's operating budgets will be approved, Sağır stated, "Fee increase rates should be compatible with market conditions and service requirements. Realistic pricing should be made for service purchases such as security, cleaning, and technical maintenance. Extraordinary expense items should be explained in detail. Reserve fund planning should be done transparently."
Sağır reported that every increase in the minimum wage directly affects the personnel and service procurement costs, which are the largest expense items in collective living areas, stating that the minimum wage increase that will come into effect in 2026 will create a significant burden in the new year's budgets of the sites due to the direct increase in costs for security personnel, cleaning staff, technical staff, and management support services. He noted that therefore, an increase in fees at certain rates is inevitable.
Sağır stated: "Similarly, the expected increases in energy expenses such as electricity, natural gas, and water will create budget pressure, especially in sites with 24-hour security services, those heated by central systems, or those with common areas that consume a lot of energy. The increase in energy costs affects not only daily consumption but also elevators, water pumps, landscape irrigation systems, and social facilities directly. It is important for residents to have realistic expectations in these matters."
"THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND MEETINGS MUST BE REPRESENTED BY POWER OF ATTORNEY" Sağır emphasized that not only the budget but also the management and audit boards and activity reports should be evaluated in the general assemblies, stating that these reports are of great importance for the transparent visibility of all expenditures made throughout the year. He expressed that those who will be elected to the management should be knowledgeable about property ownership legislation and should be inclined towards planning and budget management, noting that random selections in these areas requiring expertise could pose serious risks for site order.
Sağır pointed out that working with professional facility management companies, especially in large and multi-block living areas, increases financial discipline and service quality, and made the following evaluations: "Professional managements contribute significantly to reducing the fee burden through energy efficiency projects, collective purchasing advantages, and transparent reporting. To ensure that general assemblies are conducted in accordance with the law, the announcement periods, agenda items, and power of attorney processes must be implemented flawlessly. Meeting calls should be made at least 15 days in advance. Issues not on the agenda cannot be decided at the general assembly. Residents who cannot attend meetings must be represented by giving a power of attorney."
Sağır stated that the primary responsibility of managements in collective living areas is to act with a transparent, trustworthy, and correct management approach, adding that the culture of collective living can only develop through conscious participation and solidarity.