Disturbances
Normal everyday sounds are permitted in apartment buildings and terraced houses. However, constant noise or other disturbances do not have to be tolerated. This page provides guidance on what to do if your neighbour's behaviour is causing disturbances.
All residents must follow the house rules, as well as any laws and regulations. The house rules prohibit behaviour that causes disturbance to neighbours. However, neighbours may have differing views on what constitutes a disturbance.
The most common cause of disputes between neighbours is noise, such as playing music at a high volume. Violations of smoking rules can also cause problems between neighbours.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. However, this doesn't mean that no sound is allowed during the night. Normal everyday sounds are acceptable, as long as the noise isn’t too loud.
What to do if your neighbour is disturbing you?
1. Have a kind conversation with your neighbour about the disturbance.
If your neighbour is disturbing you, the best thing to do is to talk to them in a kind and friendly way. Often, the neighbour may not even realise that they are causing a disturbance.
2. Print out a friendly note and put it in your neighbour’s letterbox
We have prepared standard friendly neighbour notes about the most common housing disturbances. You can find them attached below. If you feel uncomfortable speaking to your neighbour in person, you can print out one of the friendly neighbour notes and slip it into your neighbour’s letterbox.
You can also include your own name and/or apartment number on the note. This way, your neighbour can ask you for more information if needed and help ensure the situation gets resolved. However, this is not required.
3. Contact the property manager
If you do not feel comfortable bringing up the disturbance with your neighbour, you can contact the property manager. Contact the property manager also if the situation continues, even though you have spoken with your neighbour and/or slipped a friendly note into their letterbox.
4. If the disturbance is serious, submit a written disturbance report
If the disturbances are serious and occur repeatedly, you can submit a written disturbance report. The disturbance report form requires the signatures of at least two persons living in different apartments in the same property.
We do not process oral or anonymous reports, as the persons who submit a disturbance report must be prepared to testify in court if necessary.
After receiving the report, Espoon Asunnot will investigate the case. Espoon Asunnot can give the tenant a warning about disturbances.
If the disturbances continue after your report, it is advisable to submit a new disturbance report. According to the law, Espoon Asunnot has the right to terminate or cancel the lease agreement if the disturbances continue.
5. If the situation is threatening, call the police
If the disturbance is serious or you feel threatened, call the police on 112.
What to do if you have concerns about your neighbour?
If you are concerned about your neighbour, file a notification of concern (Website of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County)