Lumo has taken measures to ensure balcony safety

Discussion regarding balcony safety has increased in Finland after the Safety Investigation Authority (SIAF) issued a warning in May concerning the use of fibre cement boards as balcony railing structures. According to the Safety Investigation Authority’s strength tests, fibre cement board is not suitable as a fall protection barrier or for preventing falls.

Lumo Homes immediately launched investigations into balcony safety and has assessed the necessary further measures to ensure safe use. Lumo has carried out property-specific inspections of structural elements and evaluated the required follow-up actions or repair solutions to ensure safe use.

Following these investigations, Lumo Homes has decided to prohibit the use of balconies identified as risk structures and has initiated property-specific planning for permit-required balcony repairs. The decision concerns 28 properties and 1,125 balconies. The decision has been made as a precautionary measure to ensure resident safety. If a residential balcony is taken out of use, residents will receive a rent reduction for the period during which the balcony is unavailable. Lumo Homes has approximately 43,000 rental homes across Finland.

Safety is an important matter for Lumo, and we always comply with the guidance and regulations issued by authorities. The balconies in Lumo homes are safe under normal use conditions.

Residents of Lumo Homes are asked to report any balcony damage or other anomalies without delay to our customer service either via the My Lumo service Contact us section or by calling 020 508 5000 (local network/mobile charge), Mon–Fri 10:00–15:00.

For more information:

Ville Raitio, Executive Vice President, Investments and Portfolio Management, tel. +358 20 5083 012
Toni Kankare, Unit Director, Construction, tel. +358 20 5083 184