Rules and Regulations
All tenants resident in buildings managed by the Häme Student Foundation are required to follow public order regulations and other guidelines to ensure successful cooperation.
Avoid causing disturbance to other tenants
Causing unnecessary disturbance to other tenants through one’s conduct or otherwise is not allowed!
To ensure all tenants a restful night, the quiet hours are:
between 22.00-06.00 Monday to Friday, and
between 23.00-08.00 at weekends and holidays.
Playing an instrument, singing, or other similar activities which cause a disturbance are not allowed at any time. Making noise is forbidden at all hours.
Important tips on living in shared apartments
Successful cooperation begins with introductions. Let people know who you are and where you come from, what you are studying and what your expectations are for the living arrangements. It is recommended to show new tenants of shared apartments how things are done, and also to set some ground rules together. One of the golden rules of shared apartment living is to respect your fellow tenants, and to treat them as you would expect them to treat you.
The tenants’ responsibility for the shared apartment is based on the principle of shared responsibility. Shared duties are everyone’s responsibility – even if some people fall short of the mark.
All tenants are responsible for the comfort and cleanliness of the common areas of shared apartments, so it is important that the tenants establish some ground rules together and stick to them. The tenants must cooperate to keep the common areas of the shared apartment (kitchen, hallway, toilet, bathroom) tidy. Cooking smells and noise should also be discussed. Everyone needs to do their own dishes – preferably immediately after the meal! Also, the stove, oven and work surfaces need to be cleaned if they have been used for cooking. And naturally everyone should only eat their own food from the fridge and/or cupboards. Any expired food products should be removed from the kitchen cupboards regularly. The trash should be taken out regularly, as well as paper products to be recycled.
Always respect other people’s property, you cannot use anything without permission! Make sure you establish rules about the use of certain items as well – whether things can be available for shared use, or whether everyone should purchase and use their own things.
The rooms in a shared apartment are each tenant’s private space, and other tenants of the shared apartment should respect their privacy. If a room in a shared apartment is rented to you, your girlfriend/boyfriend or any other friend is not allowed to live there with you. Rooms in shared apartments are meant for one person only – the tenant. Smoking inside a shared apartment is prohibited, as are pets. If you wish to invite your friends over, remember to ask permission from the other tenants of the shared apartment.
Take other tenants into consideration when partying!
When you have a party and invite guests over, you need to take into consideration the public order regulations, as well as the comfort, studying conditions, etc. of other tenants and neighbours. Other tenants and neighbours should always be notified in advance about a party, and a notice should be put up on the notice board, including contact information and the number of the apartment where the party is held.
Resolving disputes through negotiation
If you have a problem, you should always attempt to resolve the situation by discussing it with the other party, for example the next day. It may be that the other party did not realise they caused a disturbance. You can also discuss the matter with your neighbours, and possibly then together discuss the situation with the other party. Anonymous letters or threatening behaviour rarely help resolve these kind of situations. You may also contact the members of the tenants’ association.
The police
If a serious problem arises – particularly during the quiet hours of the night – it is recommended that you contact the police so that the situation can be resolved quickly. Maintaining public order is ultimately a police matter, and everyone has a right to call the police when necessary. The emergency number for the police is 112.
What to do if the disturbance continues?
In cases of significant and continous disturbance, a complaint may be filed at the office of the Häme Student Foundation, when you will need to provide the number of the apartment causing the disturbance, a description of the incident in as much detail as possible, and your name and contact information, including your email address. First, you should try to resolve the situation through negotiations with the other party! It is recommended to file a complaint together with a neighbour in order to provide a fairer assessment of the situation.
Mailing address: Häme Student Foundation, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6 A, 00100 HELSINKI.
Complaints are handled case by case, and the landlord will take action in accordance with the Act on Residential Leases. All complaints are handled confidentially. Anonymous complaints or complaints received via email will not be handled.
Violating public order regulations
May result in liability for damages or termination of the lease.
Shared apartment living is fun when everyone cooperates!
One of the golden rules of shared apartment living is to respect your fellow tenants, and to treat them as you would expect them to treat you. After all, a single room in a shared apartment is someone’s home! Tenants in shared apartments should also remember that everybody needs their privacy sometimes – so allow the other tenants to have some. Getting on well together means being flexible – so please take into consideration the other tenants’ needs and wants as well. It is best to resolve small disputes through discussion. Try to remember that it is difficult to guess what is on your mind if you do not voice your opinion. If something is bothering you, try to talk about it with the person involved; this way the situation may be resolved quickly. Mutual understanding ensures harmonious living conditions for everyone!
Student housing with a family
Students with families have different requirements from single sharers. Although buildings reserved for families tend to provide more peaceful living conditions, you should always remember that student housing means homes for students, not homes for the elderly. Sometimes neighbours will hear sounds from next door. Being flexible is the key.
Vandalism
Vandalism is not tolerated. Reporting acts of vandalism is the responsibility of all tenants, and preventive action helps keep the living environment in our buildings enjoyable. Persons committing acts of vandalism are always liable for damages, but if cases of vandalism remain unsolved, everyone’s rent will have to rise as a result; i.e., protecting a mate is in no way justifiable. Please remember that when it comes to any incident of vandalism, the safety of people comes first, and any material and financial factors only come second.
Drugs
Drugs are illegal, and the use, possession, selling, and/or distribution of drugs is always a crime (the Criminal Code of Finland, Chapter 50). If you suspect any drugs use, or find, for example, hypodermic needles in the yard or the stairway, it is in the best interest of everyone if you notify your landlord or the police about it directly. A drugs-free environment is more comfortable and safe for everyone. To prevent the use of drugs, the landlord will also be in contact with the authorities.
Dogs and cats
Pets are not allowed in shared apartments. Pets must not disturb other residents in the building, and they must be kept on a leash outside the apartment (including cats). It is absolutely prohibited to take pets for a walk in children’s play areas and the vicinity. Pets must not dirty buildings or the property in general. Washing pets in the common sauna facilities is prohibited. In addition to these regulations, the Public Order Act is to be observed.