One4all’s digital service platform is part of everyday life at Fastighets Ab Arcada Nova
Fastighets Ab Arcada Nova uses One4all’s digital housing service platform across all its student properties. Each staircase features its own digital display, and the One4all Mobile resident app is also used to share information and manage bookings for shared spaces and services through the integrated booking calendar. We visited Arabia in Helsinki, where over 600 student apartments are located right next to the Arcada building, and spoke with Arcada Nova’s CEO, Jörgen Wiik, to hear how these digital services make everyday life easier for both property management and residents.
Multilingual resident communication made simple with One4all’s digital platform
The rental apartments managed by Arcada Nova are located in Helsinki’s Arabianranta and Jätkäsaari districts. They accommodate students from Arcada and Hanken, as well as students who are members of student organizations like NN, SSBS, TLK, or DIFF.
The tenants are a mix of Swedish-speaking and international students. This means that all resident communication is provided in both Swedish and English. On the staircase displays, information alternates between the two languages—giving residents a subtle language-learning opportunity. In the resident app, however, it’s easy to select the preferred language, whether Swedish or English.
“Of course, it’s important for those posting updates to remember to provide information in both languages,” Jörgen reminds.
High resident turnover requires effective and up-to-date communication
With student tenants, frequent turnover is typical. Rental periods range from about six months to six years, and across Arcada Nova’s apartments, the annual resident turnover can be as high as 40%.
In such an environment, it’s critical that all current information is readily available to both new and existing residents. One can’t assume that tenants are aware of earlier notices, so all essential updates need to be repeated continuously and annually.
Thanks to the digital resident platform, it’s easy to keep important messages visible at all times and to schedule recurring annual updates to appear at the right time. Digital communication also eliminates the need to check and update physical binders in apartments when tenants change, as up-to-date information is always accessible online. This saves both resources and a considerable amount of manual work.
Digital communication reaches residents even during holidays
New tenants often move in during the autumn as they begin their studies at Arcada. However, in student housing, residents are often away for long periods—such as during the summer holidays. With digital communication, residents can stay informed no matter where they are.
“Many residents live elsewhere during the holidays. When announcements about, for example, water shut-offs or maintenance work reach tenants even during vacations, it’s a major benefit for both the property company and the residents. There are no unpleasant surprises when information gets through,” Jörgen points out.
High satisfaction thanks to centralized digital communication
All communication in the student properties is handled digitally. No paper notices are sent to apartments; instead, updates are shared through the platform as agreed.
“Of course, there will always be a few people who prefer not to use the system, but the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Paper notices are often ignored or end up in recycling along with advertisements. Plus, distributing paper notices is cumbersome and labor-intensive, especially because fire-safe mailboxes prevent delivery of individual paper slips without extra tools,” says Jörgen. Naturally, avoiding piles of printed notices is also more ecological.
Jörgen concludes by noting that both property managers and residents are highly satisfied and use the services willingly and smoothly. We at One4all are very pleased to hear this and will do everything we can to maintain that level of satisfaction.
This article is an ai-generated translation of the original article in Finnish.