# Frequently asked questions ## OVK inspections **Our certified inspectors make sure your ventilation system works as it should.** Nationwide OVK\ Certified ventilation inspectors\ Fast quotes - get a price directly [Get a quote](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/get-a-quote.md) ### General questions ### What does an OVK inspection involve? OVK (*obligatorisk ventilationskontroll*) is a mandatory inspection of the ventilation system in a building. Its purpose is to make sure the ventilation works as it should and that the indoor air is of good quality. Read more: [What is OVK?](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/what-is-ovk.md) ### How often must OVK be carried out? OVK is required every 3 years for preschools, schools and healthcare premises, and for apartment buildings with FT or FTX ventilation. It is required every 6 years for apartment buildings with S, F or FX ventilation. See the full table in [What is OVK?](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/what-is-ovk.md). ### Who is responsible for having OVK carried out? The property owner, or the board of the housing cooperative, is always responsible for having OVK carried out within the correct interval. ### Who is allowed to carry out OVK? Only certified ventilation inspectors (*funktionskontrollanter*) with the required authorisation may carry out OVK, in accordance with Boverket's regulations. There are two levels of authorisation, N and K, where K is the highest and covers all types of OVK. ### What happens if OVK is not carried out in time? The municipality can require action and impose a financial penalty (*vite*) if the owner does not fulfil the obligation. A missed inspection can also affect the value and insurance terms of the property. ### Which buildings are exempt from OVK? Detached and semi-detached houses with natural (S) ventilation do not need recurring OVK. Agricultural outbuildings and industrial buildings that are not used by people are also exempt. Houses with mechanical ventilation need only a first inspection when the system is taken into use. The same applies to certain protected structures. ### Is OVK required after a renovation or rebuild? Yes. If the ventilation system is rebuilt or changed in a way that affects its function, a new OVK is required even if the regular inspection is not yet due. ### Can you get an exemption from OVK? Exemptions are very unusual and are decided by the municipality. There must be special reasons, for example that the building is not used for a long period and is not intended to be taken into use. ### Cost and process ### What does an OVK inspection cost? The cost depends on the size of the building, the type of ventilation system and how many apartments or premises are to be inspected. Because every property is unique, we need some details to give an accurate price, such as the address, building type, ventilation system and number of apartments or premises. We therefore recommend that you always request a quote from a certified ventilation inspector. [Request a quote](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/get-a-quote.md) and we will reply within 24 hours. ### How does an OVK inspection work? An OVK inspection is carried out by a certified ventilation inspector in these steps: planning and notification of residents; review of drawings, system data and earlier protocols; measurement of air flows and checks of fans, vents, filters and ducts; assessment of hygiene and function; a protocol, which is sent to the municipality, and a certificate displayed in the building; and proposed measures if deficiencies are found. ### Who notifies residents before an OVK inspection? Informing residents is the responsibility of the property owner or the housing cooperative board. We always provide ready-made notices and, if agreed in advance, can handle the notification directly to the residents. ### What happens if the ventilation system fails the inspection? If deficiencies are found you must correct them within a set time and then have a new inspection carried out. The protocol shows what needs to be fixed, and we can help with proposed measures. ### Questions from residents ### How do I know whether the ventilation system was approved? An OVK certificate must be displayed prominently in the building, often in the entrance. It shows the date of the latest inspection and the result. If the building failed, this must be stated on the certificate. ### Do I need to prepare anything as a resident? Make sure the ventilation vents are accessible and that any obstacles are removed well before the visit. You are normally informed by your landlord or housing association. If you find it difficult to clear the space, tell us in advance and we will help. ### Can I refuse to let the inspector in? No. OVK is required by law, so it is important to give the inspector access. If access is denied, a repeat inspection may be needed and the cost to the association increases. ### I don't live in the property. Does OVK still apply? Yes. The requirement applies to the building and its ventilation system, whether or not it is occupied. Even an empty property must be inspected within the correct interval. --- ## Navigation **[Our services](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/ovk-inspection.md):** [OVK inspection](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/ovk-inspection.md), [Energy declaration](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/energy-declaration.md), [Maintenance plan](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/maintenance-plan.md) **[Learn about OVK](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/what-is-ovk.md):** [What is OVK?](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/what-is-ovk.md), [OVK for property owners](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/ovk-for-property-owners.md), [Frequently asked questions](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/faq.md) **[About OVK Kollen](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/about.md):** [About us](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/about.md), [Get a quote](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/get-a-quote.md), [Contact us](https://www.ovkkollen.se/en/contact.md) [Visit our web shop](https://shop.ovkkollen.se)