Tallinna mnt 32: principal awarded, but articles’ interest ceiling not treated as an established rate

The association proved principal but not grounds to apply the articles’ maximum interest. The court awarded debt and statutory interest.

The court awarded the apartment association Narva linn, Tallinna mnt 32 principal against owner XX but reduced the interest claim. The articles stated a maximum rate, but the association supplied no separate meeting decision establishing its application. The association sought payment for maintenance and utilities and charged interest of 0,07% per day. During proceedings it increased the claim for subsequent months and provided additional documents at the court’s request. The owner received the materials personally but submitted no position or objections. The court checked ownership, invoices, minutes approving rates, supplier documents and calculations. It found principal proved. The absence of objections did not replace that examination. It assessed interest differently. The articles required interest at the amount and in the manner set by the meeting, capped at “no more than 0,07% per day”. The court explained that a ceiling does not itself establish a rate of 0,07%. Without the necessary decision, it applied the statutory rate and calculated accrued interest on that basis instead of the sums sought. The ruling of 29 April 2022 partly granted the application, awarding principal, interest accrued at the statutory rate and further statutory interest on principal until performance. The interested person was left to bear their own costs and 90% of the association’s costs, with the remaining 10% borne by the association. The amount was to be determined separately. The act resolves a specific charging dispute and does not confirm that the award has already been paid.

Partly grant the application. Award principal, accrued statutory interest and further statutory interest on principal until performance against interested person XX. Leave their own costs to them; allocate 90% of the association’s costs to them and 10% to the association. Determine the monetary amount separately.