<h2><strong>How to Get Involved in Resident Activities</strong></h2><p>A great way to start getting involved is by participating in your building’s residents’ meeting. These meetings are open forums where you can voice requests related to repairs, maintenance, or shared spaces, and suggest ideas like organizing a yard party, volunteer clean-up events, or club activities. The residents’ meeting is usually held in the autumn, but it can be called at other times when there’s a specific issue to address.</p><p>If you'd like to help plan events or manage shared purchases, consider joining your housing company's residents’ committee. This group represents the interests of residents and gives you a direct say in matters like house rules, sauna or laundry room access, and parking spot reservations. Each housing company is allocated an annual budget, which the residents’ committee decides how to use. If there isn’t an active committee, you can also volunteer as the contact person for the building, serving as a liaison between residents and the housing manager.</p><p>You help shape the kind of housing community you live in. Resident involvement is meaningful volunteer work that benefits your home. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors and help make your building more resident-friendly and enjoyable.</p><p><i>Explore more about resident activities for rental and right-of-occupancy housing on your building’s </i><a href="https://oma.yhkodit.fi/login/"><i>resident pages</i></a><i>, where you’ll also find materials, meeting guidelines, and detailed information about how the residents’ committee works.</i></p>

<p>All residents of the building aged 18 and over are welcome to participate in the residents’ meeting. The meeting elects the residents’ committee and its chairperson. It is convened to discuss matters concerning the housing unit. The meeting is called by the residents’ committee or, if necessary, by the designated contact person for the building. The resident manager from YH Homes can assist with organizing the meeting, so please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service.</p>

Residents' meeting

<p>The Residents’ Committee Discusses Matters Concerning the Housing Unit. The committee is convened by the chairperson elected at the residents’ meeting. All residents living in YH Homes properties are welcome to participate. The committee itself is chosen during the residents’ meeting.</p><h3><strong>Duties of the Residents’ Committee in Rental Housing:</strong></h3><ul><li>Decides on house rules, provided they do not conflict with public order regulations</li><li>Determines principles for the use of shared facilities</li><li>Organizes communal events and volunteer clean-up efforts</li><li>Oversees the maintenance, upkeep, and repair of the property</li><li>Participates in resolving disturbance situations</li></ul>

The residents’ committee for rental housing

<p>The chairpersons and designated contact persons (if no committee exists) are invited to the meeting. The meeting is convened at least once a year to address matters common to all housing units. It is called by the property owner.</p><h3><strong>Duties of the Chairpersons’ Meeting:</strong></h3><ul><li>Provide a statement to the company regarding rent adjustments. For right-of-occupancy housing, this statement is issued by the Residents’ Network.</li><li>Prepare, when necessary, proposals, initiatives, statements, and opinions for the decision-making bodies of the company.</li><li>Discuss general matters related to the operations and management of the buildings.</li><li>Relay resident feedback.</li></ul>

The meeting of residents’ committee chairpersons

<p><br>The Residents’ Network serves as a channel for ideas and communication with the Board of Right-of-Occupancy Housing. It consists of 6 to 9 members selected from among interested residents’ committee chairpersons in the Pirkanmaa and Southwest Finland regions.</p><h3><strong>The Responsibilities of the Residents’ Network Include:</strong></h3><ul><li>Addressing and providing proposals and statements on shared matters affecting all residents</li><li>Establishing criteria for renting parking spaces and allocating use of common areas</li><li>Deciding on the content of house rules</li><li>Making proposals and participating in the organization of maintenance and property management</li><li>Holding the right to participate in preparing contracts concerning the upkeep and maintenance of the properties</li><li>Holding the right to participate in the planning of property renovations and improvements</li><li>Holding the right to participate in the preparation of long-term repair and financing plans</li></ul>

The Residents’ Network in Right-of-Occupancy Housing

large_YHKodit-220222-7556.JPG

medium_YHKodit-220222-7556.JPG

small_YHKodit-220222-7556.JPG

thumbnail_YHKodit-220222-7556.JPG

YHKodit-220222-7556.JPG

How can one join the residents’ committee?

<h3><strong>Why is home insurance important?</strong></h3><p>Home insurance protects both your home and belongings from unexpected damage. It’s not just a mandatory expense—it’s an essential part of responsible living and provides peace of mind when accidents happen.</p><h3><strong>What does the housing company’s insurance cover?</strong></h3><p>YH Kotien properties are insured against damage, but residents should note that in the event of a fire or water damage, the property insurance only covers the <strong>structure of the apartment and fixed furnishings</strong>. To receive compensation for personal belongings, residents must have their <strong>own home insurance</strong>. The property insurance also does <strong>not cover water damage caused by personal items</strong>. For example, damage caused by a broken aquarium, waterbed, or similar furniture is only covered through the resident’s own home insurance.</p><h3><strong>Different types of home insurance – which one is right for you?</strong></h3><p>There are various types of home insurance for different life situations, so it’s worth considering which model best suits your needs. Depending on the coverage, home insurance can protect against a wide range of incidents—broken windows, water damage, theft, and many other unexpected events. A <strong>comprehensive policy</strong> may also cover valuable items like eyeglasses or phone screens.</p><p><strong>Liability insurance</strong>, often included in home insurance, covers damage caused by the resident to another person or their property. For example, if a child accidentally breaks a neighbor’s window while playing ball, liability insurance would cover the repair costs.</p><p>Always review the details of home insurance options with your insurance provider.</p><h3><strong>When should you update your home insurance?</strong></h3><p>Review your home insurance whenever your life situation changes. For example:</p><ul><li>Moving in with a partner or separating</li><li>Having a child</li><li>Purchasing valuable items like electronics or an electric bike</li></ul><p>Also, if you start working remotely and bring valuable work equipment home, your insurance needs may change. In such cases, check with your employer about their policy on insuring work equipment.</p><h3><strong>Important things to remember:</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Home insurance is mandatory for all YH Kotien residents.</strong></li><li>When moving to a new apartment, your home insurance does <strong>not transfer automatically</strong>—you must update it with your insurance company.</li><li><strong>Pets are welcome</strong> in YH Kotien homes. Since pets can sometimes cause damage, check whether your insurance covers pet-related incidents.</li><li>Review your <strong>deductible</strong>—this is the amount you must pay yourself in the event of a claim. If the damage is less than the deductible, you won’t receive compensation.</li><li>Always read the <strong>insurance terms carefully</strong>, especially the exceptions and limitations, so you know what is and isn’t covered.</li></ul><h1><strong>Did you know YH Kotien residents are covered by group insurance?</strong></h1><h2><strong>Accident Insurance:</strong></h2><p>Covers medical expenses caused by accidents. Valid 24/7 on the housing company’s property, in shared areas, and during community volunteer work.</p><h2><strong>Key Insurance:</strong></h2><p>Covers costs related to lost keys, lock replacements, and door opening services.<br><strong>Note:</strong> This insurance is only valid during the tenancy. Claims must be made within one year of losing the key.</p><h2><strong>Interruption of Living Insurance:</strong></h2><p>Covers costs caused by temporary inability to live in the apartment.<br>Covers all permanent residents listed in the resident register, regardless of age, and volunteers working during community events.</p><p>You can find your housing company’s insurance broker on the resident portal.</p>

large_YHKodit-220222-7494.JPG

medium_YHKodit-220222-7494.JPG

small_YHKodit-220222-7494.JPG

thumbnail_YHKodit-220222-7494.JPG

YHKodit-220222-7494.JPG

Why is home insurance important?

<h1><strong>Removal of Sanding Gravel and Outdoor Furniture</strong></h1><p>The maintenance company will remove sanding gravel by the end of May at the latest, ensuring clean and safe walkways. At the same time, outdoor furniture and swings will be returned to their places so residents can enjoy sunny days outside.</p><h2><strong>Greenery Maintenance</strong></h2><p>The landscaping service <i>Pihatyömyyrät</i> begins spring work by pruning shrubs and taking care of the greenery in shared areas.</p><h2><strong>Fertilizing and Weed Control</strong></h2><p>During spring and summer, necessary fertilizing and weeding will be carried out in the shared areas. This ensures healthy plant growth and prevents the spread of unwanted vegetation.</p><h2><strong>Lawn Care</strong></h2><p>The maintenance company is responsible for mowing the lawns in shared areas to keep them neat and well-maintained. Residents are responsible for maintaining the green areas in their private yards.</p><h2><strong>Hedge Maintenance</strong></h2><p>The landscaping service maintains the hedges along the housing company’s walkways, keeping them tidy and well-groomed. Residents are responsible for trimming the hedges on the side of their own yards.</p><h2><strong>Garden Waste</strong></h2><p>It’s important to dispose of garden waste properly and in an environmentally friendly way. Take garden waste to waste centers that accept it. This ensures proper recycling and helps keep the environment clean and pleasant.</p><p>In <strong>Pirkanmaa</strong>, garden waste (up to 2 cubic meters) can be taken free of charge to the <strong>Tarastenjärvi</strong> and <strong>Koukkujärvi</strong> waste centers.<br>Read the <strong>Pirkanmaa Waste Management</strong> guidelines for handling garden waste.</p><p>In <strong>Turku</strong>, waste centers can be found via [this link].</p><h2><strong>Working Together for a More Pleasant Environment</strong></h2><p>These spring and summer maintenance tasks aim to ensure the comfort and upkeep of the housing company’s outdoor areas. Through cooperation and everyone’s contribution, we can create an environment where all residents can enjoy pleasant outdoor living.</p>

medium_Metsa-purrankatu_1-3_2.jpg

small_Metsa-purrankatu_1-3_2.jpg

thumbnail_Metsa-purrankatu_1-3_2.jpg

Metsa-purrankatu_1-3_2.jpg

What do a housing company's spring and summer maintenance tasks include?

<p>In YH Homes apartments, four-legged friends are welcome. It’s good to remember that the occasional bark is part of normal everyday sounds—but what can you do if a neighbor’s dog barks during the day when the owner is away?</p><p>If the barking becomes disturbing, the best approach is to kindly speak with the dog’s owner. They may not even be aware that their pet barks when left alone.</p><p>If talking with the neighbor doesn’t help, it’s a good idea to contact customer service, which can assist in resolving the situation.</p><h2><strong>Tips for dog owners:</strong></h2><p>A dog’s loud behavior may stem from territorial instincts or separation anxiety. Thankfully, there are many ways to address the issue these days—help is available from dog training schools or veterinarians.</p><p>As a polite gesture, dog owners can post a note on the building’s notice board letting neighbors know they are aware of the problem and are working on a solution.</p><p>Every pet is unique, but here are some ideas that can help a dog settle more calmly when left alone:</p><ul><li>Take the dog for a walk before leaving, so they’ll be happy to rest at home.</li><li>If possible, limit the area where the pet can move freely in the apartment—while ensuring it’s safe and comfortable. Dogs must not be confined to a crate.</li><li>Slightly closing the blinds and leaving the radio on can help reduce outside distractions.</li></ul>

large_koira_haukkuu_asunnossa.jpg

medium_koira_haukkuu_asunnossa.jpg

small_koira_haukkuu_asunnossa.jpg

thumbnail_koira_haukkuu_asunnossa.jpg

koira_haukkuu_asunnossa.jpg

What to do when a dog barks in the apartment?

<h1><strong>How is responsibility for the housing company’s green areas divided?</strong></h1><p>The maintenance responsibilities for green areas are divided as follows: the Green Services team takes care of the general and shared areas of YH Kotien housing companies, keeping them clean and well-maintained. Residents, in turn, are responsible for trimming the fences on their private yards and maintaining their lawns and plantings.</p><h2><strong>Is it necessary to prune shrubs?</strong></h2><p>Shrubs don’t always need to be pruned—it depends on their condition and intended use. A shaped hedge requires regular trimming, while a naturally growing hedge is meant to grow freely.</p><p>Hedge plants are typically species that tolerate and benefit from regular pruning. A free-growing hedge doesn’t need to be cut until it starts to look scraggly—at that point, cutting it back helps it regenerate into a lush and healthy form.</p><h2><strong>How can I grow a beautiful, dense hedge?</strong></h2><p>The durability and appearance of a hedge depend on proper pruning techniques and timing. Regular care prevents problems and ensures a beautiful, long-lasting hedge. In spring and early summer, it’s best to let the shrub grow undisturbed. The ideal time for pruning is <strong>July to August</strong>, when the year’s growth hasn’t yet hardened, making trimming easier. However, always familiarize yourself with the plant species in your yard and their specific care needs.</p><p>Pruning encourages branching, and to achieve a dense, strong hedge, it’s important to start early. The most common mistake is skipping pruning altogether or starting too late. If a hedge is allowed to grow tall before its first cut, the result may be sparse and bare. Early and regular pruning ensures even branching and a sturdy structure, helping the plant withstand heavy snow in winter.</p><p><strong>Coniferous shrubs follow different rules.</strong> They cannot be rejuvenated by cutting them back hard, and they usually only grow new shoots from the previous year’s growth—so pruning must be done more carefully.</p><h2><strong>What tools should be used for pruning shrubs?</strong></h2><p>A <strong>hedge trimmer</strong> is excellent for shaping and tidying shrubs. If there’s only a small amount to cut, <strong>hedge shears</strong> with long blades are sufficient and also suitable for shaping. For cutting individual branches, use <strong>pruning shears</strong> or <strong>loppers</strong> for thicker stems.</p><h2><strong>What if I accidentally prune shrubs incorrectly?</strong></h2><p>If you make a mistake, there’s usually no need to worry—<strong>deciduous shrubs are forgiving</strong> and can often recover on their own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and observe how the plant responds. The most common maintenance mistake is <strong>not pruning at all</strong>, which can lead to overgrown, wide hedges that become difficult to manage later.</p><h2><strong>When should you contact a professional?</strong></h2><p>It’s a good idea to contact a professional if you’re unsure what to do. You can reach out through <strong>YH Kotien customer service</strong> for advice. Hiring a professional is also recommended if the work is too extensive to handle alone or if physical limitations make pruning difficult.</p><h2><strong>What can or should residents do for their yard?</strong></h2><p>Residents are responsible for regular yard maintenance, such as mowing the lawn and trimming boundary hedges. Beyond that, it’s good to remember that the yard is there for the resident’s enjoyment—take advantage of the many ways to make it a pleasant space.</p><h2><strong>Things to keep in mind after yard work</strong></h2><p>It’s important to dispose of garden waste properly and in an environmentally friendly way. Take garden waste to waste centers that accept it. This ensures proper recycling and helps keep the environment clean and pleasant.</p><p>In <strong>Pirkanmaa</strong>, garden waste (up to 2 cubic meters) can be taken free of charge to the <strong>Tarastenjärvi</strong> and <strong>Koukkujärvi</strong> waste centers.<br>Read the <a href="https://pjhoy.fi/jate/puutarhajate/"><strong>Pirkanmaa Waste Management</strong></a> guidelines for handling garden waste.</p><p>In <strong>Turku</strong>, waste centers can be found via [<a href="https://lsjh.fi/jate/puutarhajate/">this link</a>].</p>

large_pensaidenleikkuu.jpg

medium_pensaidenleikkuu.jpg

small_pensaidenleikkuu.jpg

thumbnail_pensaidenleikkuu.jpg

pensaidenleikkuu.jpg

How to take care of shrubs right way?

<p>On this page, you’ll find up-to-date information about applying for an apartment, as well as useful details about rental housing and right-of-occupancy (ASO) housing.</p>

For Tenants

Ownership Apartments

Current topics

How can one join the residents’ committee?

Why is home insurance important?

What do a housing company's spring and summer maintenance tasks include?

What to do when a dog barks in the apartment?

How to take care of shrubs right way?