Tenant support
At Hoas tenant support, we offer assistance, guidance, and solutions for challenges related to rental housing. You can reach us by sending a message via MyHoas and selecting Disturbances and conflicts as the message classification.
Our team at Hoas consists of five members with diverse expertise in various aspects of housing. We work closely both within the organization across different teams and with external partners, all to benefit tenants and the residential community.
Hoas tenant supportWe encourage you to contact tenant support at the earliest possible stage. This allows us to address situations promptly and achieve the desired outcome.
What is tenant support?
The purpose of tenant support is to help with various challenges related to housing. You can contact us if conflicts arise with a roommate, if dealing with a noisy neighbor feels hopeless, or if issues with rent payments occur.
Our primary aim is to facilitate communication among tenants and open dialogue between the parties involved. Often, solutions to conflicts can be found through conversation and agreement—this is why we also encourage tenants to take an active role in finding resolution and harmony. In serious cases, we may ask you to submit a disturbance complaint.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes the landlord must intervene in disturbances. As a last resort, we attempt to change the tenant’s behavior through a written notice and a formal warning. If the warning is disregarded, the situation may lead to the termination or cancellation of the tenancy agreement.
Good Living Together
Living together goes smoothly when the basic principles of housing are agreed upon. Check out our tips for smooth living in shared apartment, and familiarize yourself with our rules and regulations, which aim to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all tenants of the property.
Our tips for common issues
First, try to resolve the issue yourself by talking and negotiating. If you feel you need assistance from tenant support, it’s helpful to let your roommate know. Sometimes, simply mentioning that you are seeking outside help can make the other party understand that you are serious about the matter.
If you are unable to establish a dialogue, please contact us. Another option is the Naapuruussovittelun keskus, which can assist in finding common ground. They can arrange for a mediator to be present as a neutral party during discussions. This service is free of charge.
Roommates are allowed to have guests in shared apartments. However, it is polite to agree on visits with roommates in advance, especially if the stay will be a longer one.
You can establish a common approach to guests at the start of shared living or bring it up as situations arise. Guests should not be accommodated in the apartment for extended periods.
If guests are causing disturbances, you can remind your roommate that Hoas’ rules state that tenants are responsible for their guests and any damages they may cause in the apartment.
You are jointly responsible for maintaining the shared areas of the apartment. If you didn’t agree on cleaning and upkeep at the start of your shared living, now is a good time to do so. Create a shared list of areas to be cleaned and decide on a cleaning day or assign cleaning shifts—the approach is up to you, but our apartment maintenance guidelines offer a good foundation for discussion.
Write down the agreed-upon tasks and adjust as needed to better suit your needs, so you can gradually find a solution that fits both of your lifestyles.
Also remember that different people have different views on cleanliness. Living in a shared apartment provides a good opportunity to learn to tolerate different lifestyles and to find mutually agreeable solutions. However, you do not have to tolerate extreme messiness in your own home.
If disturbing noise comes from a neighbor’s apartment, it’s best to talk to the neighbor causing the noise. Approach the situation with an open mind and without preconceptions—your neighbor may not realize their actions are affecting others. Try to resolve the issue together.
Remember, a friendly approach and face-to-face communication usually work better than leaving angry notes in the mailbox.
If you are concerned about your neighbor for any reason, you can submit a welfare report to your local municipality. A welfare report can be made about anyone whose well-being raises concerns. After the report is submitted, social services will assess the situation and provide assistance if needed.
If you are worried about a child or young person, you can contact child protection services.
Contact us or customer service immediately. Don’t let the problem escalate; the most important thing is to be proactive in resolving the issue. We will help you create a payment plan and, if necessary, direct you to the appropriate support services.
Low-threshold counseling support for crises and challenging life situations, available without a referral. The MIELI crisis helpline provides support in English. You can call anonymously and confidentially at 09 2525 0116. The line is open on Fridays between 9 am and 1 pm.
MIELI crisis helpline provides support also in Swedish, Ukrainian, and Russian. See the helpline numbers on MIELI website.
The police are responsible for ensuring public order and safety. They work to prevent and investigate crimes. In an emergency, the police can be reached 24/7 by calling the emergency number 112. If you have been a victim of a crime, contact the police directly or report a crime.
The police also offer a national advisory service, available at 0295 419 800 on weekdays from 8 am to 4:15 pm. This service provides general advice and assistance with non-urgent matters, such as filing a crime report or other similar issues.
Most schools offer services and support to help students manage their studies. Your school may have, for example, a student counselor, school nurse, or school psychologist. Contact details and methods for reaching them are available from your school.
University students can also contact the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS).
If you need help with financial matters, don’t hesitate to ask for advice! Most of us know what it’s like to have limited funds or to make poor choices with money.
Discuss the issue with family, school staff, friends, a tenant advisor, youth or social worker, or visit an Ohjaamo center to talk about your situation. Municipalities also have financial and debt advisors who can help you organize your finances. Additionally, Takuusäätiö offers assistance to those in debt and can be reached via chat or phone. Churches’ diaconal services also provide advice and may offer small amounts of financial support.
For example, Ohjaamo centers provide assistance with issues related to work, education, and everyday life, offering information and guidance quickly and based on individual needs. There are about 70 Ohjaamo centers across Finland.
Anyone under the age of 30 is welcome to visit Ohjaamo for support with any issue. When visiting an Ohjaamo, you don’t need to know exactly what kind of support or help you need. Professionals are there to assist you and can guide you forward in any situation.
Find your nearest Ohjaamo location on their website.