Common Electricity Expense: Elevator, Lighting, Booster Pump

In an apartment, each unit has its own electricity bill; but there is also electricity consumption in the building that does not belong to any unit and is used in common. Systems such as the elevator, staircase and entrance lighting, the booster pump (water pump) and parking lot lighting consume electricity continuously. In this guide we explain what common electricity expense in an apartment is and how it is shared, from a practical perspective.

What is common electricity expense?

Common electricity expense is the cost of the electricity consumed in the building's common areas and common systems. This consumption is measured on a separate common meter and the bill goes to the management. It is entirely separate from the in-unit consumption; each unit pays its own electricity separately, while the common electricity is shared among all residents.

Which consumption falls under common electricity?

The main items making up the common electricity expense:

• Elevator: The electricity of the continuously running elevator is an important item.
• Lighting: Staircase, landing, entrance, corridor and façade lighting.
• Booster pump/water pump: The pump system that lifts water to the upper floors.
• Parking and garden: Parking lot lighting, garden lamps, automatic gate.
• Common devices: Generator, security systems, sockets in common areas.

How is common electricity shared?

Common electricity expense is shared according to the same principles as the apartment's other common expenses under the Condominium Ownership Law, and it is usually included in the dues. In practice, this expense is mostly evaluated within the scope of the operating expenses of common facilities. If a different method has not been set in the management plan, the statutory sharing rules apply. Common electricity is an important part of the dues item.

Does the ground floor pay for the elevator electricity?

This is a much-asked topic. Because the elevator is a common area, its electricity is also a common expense. An owner living on the ground floor or who never uses the elevator is also obliged to contribute to the common electricity expense. The law does not allow refusing to contribute by claiming that the common area is not used. It is therefore not possible to say "I do not use the elevator and I will not contribute to its electricity".

How can common electricity be reduced?

Common electricity can make up a significant portion of the dues. To reduce this expense: switching to LED lighting, using motion-sensor (photo-cell) lamps in staircases and corridors, and choosing energy-efficient systems in the elevator and booster pump are effective methods. Although such improvements require initial cost, they reduce dues in the long term.

Common electricity bill tracking

Regular tracking of the common electricity bill is important. A sudden increase on the bill may indicate a faulty device, leakage or a system that is always on. The management's monitoring of common electricity consumption from month to month both helps in noticing unnecessary spending and taking measures when needed. This tracking is part of transparent expense management.

Summary

Common electricity expense is the electricity consumed by common systems such as the elevator, lighting and booster pump. It is measured on a separate common meter and shared under the Condominium Ownership Law rules, usually included in the dues. No owner, including those on the ground floor, can refuse to contribute. LED lighting and sensor systems can reduce the expense.

Tracking common electricity and other expense items separately makes it possible to see where the dues go. Apt Yönet tracks each expense item separately, providing the management with transparent and understandable budget control.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is common electricity included in the dues?

Usually, yes. Common electricity is evaluated as an operating expense of common facilities and included in the dues.

Does someone who does not use the elevator still pay for its electricity?

Yes. Because the elevator is a common area, an owner who does not use it is also obliged to contribute to the common electricity expense.

Whose is the booster pump electricity?

The booster pump is a common system; its electricity is a common expense and is shared by all units.

How can common electricity be reduced?

LED lighting, motion-sensor lamps and energy-efficient elevator/booster pump systems reduce common electricity.

---

This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. You are advised to consult a legal expert about your specific situation.