Your vote counts!

As a co-owner, you are responsible for the decisions within the Owners Association together with the other owners.
The General Meeting is therefore more than just a moment to receive information. It is the moment when owners help decide on their building.

How many votes do I have?

Not every owner has the same number of votes.
Your voting weight is determined by the share that your private unit represents in the common parts of the building. This is usually expressed in thousandths.

For example:
If your apartment has a share of 85/1,000, then your unit represents 85 of the 1,000 shares within the Owners Association.
Your vote is therefore not necessarily one vote as with a simple show of hands. The voting weight is determined according to the shares attached to your unit.

Not every decision requires the same majority.

Depending on the decision at hand, a different majority may be required.
For example:

• Simple majority
  For certain decisions, a simple majority of votes is sufficient.
• 2/3 majority
  For certain important decisions, a larger majority is needed.
• 4/5 majority
  For some far-reaching decisions, an even larger majority is required.
• Unanimity
  In exceptional cases, the consent of all involved co-owners is required.

Which majority is exactly needed depends on the subject and the legal rules applicable to it.

What does that mean for you?

Your vote can help determine whether a proposal is approved or not.
That is why it is important to review the agenda and the accompanying documents in advance. This way, you know what you need to decide on and you can ask specific questions during the meeting.

A decision is not made because the Property Manager wants it. The decision is made according to the rules and the majority that applies to that agenda item.

Your vote is part of the decision.

You don't always have to agree with the other owners. That is precisely the goal of a General Meeting: to bring different opinions together and reach a decision according to the applicable rules.

Read the agenda. Ask questions. Let your voice be heard.