Understand Your AGM

You are a VME, an association of co-owners. Once a year there is a general meeting where important decisions are made about your building. Everyone has a say. This video explains what happens at an Annual General Meeting and why it's important.

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At the start of the AGM, we determine who chairs the meeting (chairperson) and who takes notes (secretary). Usually the auditor also attends. Together, this is called the 'bureau'. This video explains these roles.

The minutes are the official record of the general meeting. They record who was present, what was discussed, what was decided, and with which voting results. This video explains how minutes are prepared and why they're important.

The Internal Regulations contain practical agreements about your building: meeting times, use of common parts, penalty clauses, and so on. It can be amended annually by the general meeting. This video explains what the RIO is and how it differs from the statutes.

The accounting balance provides an overview of your building's finances: what assets you have (bank balances, reserve capital), and what you may owe. This video explains how to read the balance sheet and what the most important items mean.

Working capital is the money you pay monthly in advances to cover running costs: insurance, maintenance, property manager, electricity, etc. This video explains how working capital is determined and what you pay for.

The guarantee fund is a buffer that remains in the owner's name and is refunded upon sale. It helps the building bridge peak moments (large bills, unforeseen costs). This video explains the difference with reserve capital.

A savings plan helps you build up reserves for future major costs: elevator renovation, roof, facade... This video explains how we determine how much you need to save and why this is important.

Reserve capital (also called reserve fund) is earmarked for larger, non-periodic expenses. You build it up gradually. This video explains how reserve capital works and how it's used.

At the end of each fiscal year, the general meeting grants discharge to the property manager and auditor. This means you approve their work and the financial accounts. This video explains what discharge means and why it's important.

The property manager, auditor, and possibly board members are appointed for a certain period. When that term expires, the general meeting can reappoint them or appoint someone new. This video explains how reappointments work.

Good maintenance keeps your building safe and liveable. From elevators to fire safety and plumbing to facade: this video provides an overview of what maintenance comes with your building and how we coordinate it.

Your building has various insurances: block policy (fire, storm, water), liability insurance, legal assistance... This video explains what insurance your building has and why it's important.

In this chapter we discuss the current state of your building: from facade and roof to technical installations. This helps you understand which maintenance or renovations may be necessary in the coming years.

Fire safety is vital in apartment buildings. Think of fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, smoke hatches, and fire escape routes. This video explains what fire safety requirements your building must meet.

The AREI (General Regulations for Electrical Installations) requires periodic electrical inspection. This video explains what this inspection involves, why it's mandatory, and what happens if defects are found.

Your building undergoes various mandatory periodic inspections: elevator, heating system, fire safety... This video provides an overview of the most important inspections and their frequency.

Sewerage is often an underestimated topic, but blockages and infiltration can cause a lot of problems. This video explains how sewerage in apartment buildings works and how you prevent problems.

Smoke hatches remove smoke and heat in case of fire. They must be regularly inspected and maintained. This video explains how smoke hatches work and what maintenance they need.

Good ventilation is essential for a healthy and comfortable living climate. Think of mechanical ventilation, extraction fans, and natural ventilation. This video explains how ventilation in your building works.

Old chimneys often require renovation or reinforcement. Whether for structural reasons or to use them for new heating systems: this video explains what's involved in chimney renovation.

More and more VMEs are installing solar panels on the common roof. This yields lower energy costs and is good for the environment. This video explains what's involved and how to organize such a project.

Not every topic fits into a fixed agenda point. Under 'miscellaneous' we discuss various questions, proposals, and other matters that co-owners want to address. This video explains how we handle this.