<h2><strong>Good Neighborly Relations Require Mutual Consideration</strong></h2><p>Children playing, dogs barking, music playing—life in an apartment building is close-knit, and different sounds easily travel between homes. Many of these are a natural part of everyday life, but excessive noise or disturbing behavior doesn't need to be tolerated. For everyone to live together peacefully, we ask all residents to respect their neighbors.</p><p>It’s important to understand that your neighbor might have a different lifestyle or daily rhythm than you do. That’s why you may hear everyday living noises even when you’re seeking quiet: one person might return from work late and take a shower, while another’s children might start playing early in the morning. Not every sound needs to be reported, as the housing company cannot prohibit normal living. While it's essential to be mindful of others—especially during quiet hours—using the restroom or the elevator is permitted at any time, as is hosting a party a few evenings each year.</p><p>However, if your neighbor’s lifestyle is noisy or restless—such as frequent late-night partying, loud arguments, or a dog that barks for hours—it needs to be addressed. The best first step is to speak directly with the neighbor causing the disturbance. Often, a simple conversation is enough, as they may not realize they’re being disruptive. If the behavior continues and the neighbor is unresponsive, please report it to us as soon as possible. This allows us to intervene early—before things escalate to the point where you might consider moving out because of the disturbance.</p><p>Being considerate of your neighbors doesn’t mean tiptoeing through life, but everyone should follow shared house rules and try to avoid unnecessary disruption. Good neighborly relations require mutual consideration—when everyone is respectful and gives each other space to live, relationships remain positive and the community spirit stays strong.</p><p>Please review your housing company’s rules and other resident guidelines on your <a href="https://oma.yhkodit.fi/login/">resident portal</a>, and reach out to customer service if you need help with a disturbance.</p>

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What to do if a neighbor is being noisy?

<h3><strong>Clean and Inspect</strong></h3><p>Always report any faults to maintenance immediately. Leaking water fixtures, ventilation issues, and other malfunctions require prompt action to prevent the situation from worsening. This also helps avoid larger repair bills that can result from faulty appliances or wasted water.</p><h3><strong>Weekly</strong></h3><ul><li>Vacuum and damp mop floors.</li><li>Clean the toilet and bathroom.</li><li>Wipe dust and stains from surfaces.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Every 1–2 months</strong></h3><ul><li>Refrigerator.</li><li>Trash bins.</li><li>Test the smoke alarm.</li><li>Baseboards, washable wall surfaces, doors, handles, and door frames.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Every 6 months</strong></h3><ul><li>Oven and oven trays.</li><li>Ventilation ducts.</li><li>Wardrobes.</li><li>Lighting fixtures.</li><li>Sauna.</li><li>Radiators and areas behind them.</li><li>Areas behind household appliances.</li><li>Grease filter in the range hood.</li><li>Floor drains.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>1–2 times a year</strong></h3><ul><li>Bathroom tile joints.</li><li>Windows and venetian blinds.</li><li>Freezer.</li><li>Built-in furniture, both inside and out.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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How often should one clean?

<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>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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