HOUSING HOUSING
TIPS AND ADVICE
Foreword
This housing guide has been made to support you whilst becoming independent. The guide has been created together with Kuopio Housing Counselling. Did you know that in all housing matters you can turn to your local housing councellor.
Moving
Moving into a new home is a big step and brings along lots of new things to take care of.
Remember to do the notification of move to both the post office and the housing company you are moving into.
When you do the notification of move on the post offices website you can register with the Digital and population data services agency on the same pages.
You must do a notification of move to the housing company within a week to have your surname placed on the front door.
Make sure you have organized help with moving and acquired moving boxes on time.
It is good to request for a parking place early if you need one, because you might have to wait for it due to high demand. Contact the house manager if you require information on the use of the shared sauna or washing machine.
mover’s Checklist
Remember the bond
Sign the rental contract
Pick up the keys
Apply for benefits
Electricity contract
Home insurance
Notification of move
Moving out inspection
Notification of move to housing company
You can do the notification of move on the post offices website
TAKING CARE OF THE APARTMENT
You need to take good care of your home. It is easiest to do,when you do your chores regularly. You can see how often you need to do the chores down below:
DAILY TASKS
Airing the apartment
Sorting out the trash
Returning items to their places
WEEKLY TASKS
Vacuum cleaning
Wiping the dust
Cleaning the toilet
Changing towels and pillow cases
TASKS EVERY SECOND WEEK
Changing the sheets
Mopping the floors
MONTHLY TASKS
Cleaning home appliances
Washing trash bins
Throwing out old food
Use gloves while handling detergents
Doing chores regularly increases the comfort and safetiness of your home .
This advice is a guideline and for eg. owning pets can effect how often you need to clean
the rights and obligations of the tenant
Obligations:
As the tenant you are obligated to pay the rent. You must pay the rent monthly by the due date. Contact your landlord immediately if you are unable to pay the rent.
Your rental apartment is owned by someone else. It is your responsibility as a tenant to look after it.Because you do not own the property, you can not make any permanent changes to it without the landlords permission.
It is your responsibility to obey the house rules
Your keys are very important - remember not to lose them. Consider carefully when giving your house keys to someone else.
You have an obligation to make a notification to your landlord, if you notice any faults in the apartment.
The rights and obligations of the tenant
Rights:
As a tenant you have a right to live in the apartment. If the apartment has faults or shortcomings that prevent you from living there you have a right to be compensated or terminate the rental agreement. You might be compensated for eg. if the apartment is too warm or too cold.
As a tenant you are allowed to live a normal life. The housing company or landlord can not make rules that contradict with the law.
As a tenant you have a right to domestic peace, which means for eg, that the neighbors can not disturb you with noise after the quiet time stated in the house rules. You should inform the house manager or landlord if the neighbors cause disturbances.
The landlord is obligated to take care of general maintenance, which means for eg. the maintenance of the apartments structures and fixtures excluding ones that have been broken on purpose. The landlord must react to the notifications made of faults in the apartment and must inform the tenant of renovations happening in the house.
Home insurance
Most landlords require the tenant to acquire home insurance. Taking home insurance is worthwhile as it is a good way to secure your home and belongings.
Home insurance covers different kinds of damage that has happened to your apartment and your belongings in the apartment. It also covers water damage and damage caused by fire. Home insurance may cover the breaking of belongings like home appliances.
There are different types of home insurance. The extent of the insurance defines what it covers.
Lots of different insurance companies offer home insurances. You can get home insurance for eg. via the internet. It is worth asking for offers from several different companies. This way you will get the most suitable and affordable one for yourself.
Electricity contract
Make an electricity contract to obtain electricity in your home.
You can get your electricity contact online or by phone. Remember to compare different companies.
Remember to pay your electricity bill on time, because if you pay your bill very late the electricity company can cut off the electricity in your home.
Please note that you have to pay two separate electricity bills: one for the transmission of electricity and the other for consumption. The transmission of electricity is taken care of by a local company and the consumption by a company chosen by you.
You may be entitled to benefits, that will help you with paying rent and other living expenses.
Go to the Kela website to find out more about the benefits and on what grounds they are granted. You can also find calculators on the website to evaluate the amount the benefit would be.
Apply for benefits on the Kela website www.kela.fi.
Fire safety
It is extremely important to take care of fire safety.
Smoke detectors:
Make sure that the apartment has a smoke detector! Test that the smoke detector works as soon as you move into the apartment. If you have problems with smoke detectors connected to the electric current, report them to the house manager.
Exits:
Get familiar with the exits in your house and practice the use of them. Do not block the exits by collecting stuff in front of them.
Extinguishing device:
Make sure you have an extinguishing blanket and easy access to it. Practice using the blanket.
Risk of fire:
Never store anything on the stove or sauna heater.
Smoking:
Smoking inside the house is forbidden.
Coexisting with neighbors
Remember to read the house rules when you move in. Living by the house rules allows everyone to live in peace.
The quiet period starts at 22 pm and ends at 7 am unless the house rules state otherwise. Avoid any unnecessary noise during the quiet period. Please note that loud speaking and laughing and for eg. the sounds of playing on the computer can disturb your neighbor.
Inform the house manager if your neighbors are causing disturbances. Use the notification of disturbance document to do this or call the house manager.
Piirtänyt:
Pentti
Hyvönen RI A4 1:70
Cleaning the cooker hood
Disconnect the grease filter.
Let the filter dry and place it back in the cooker hood. 2. 1. 3.
Soak the filter in hot water. Use dish washing liquid to remove the grease. Most filters can be washed in the dish washer.
Keep the grease filter clean to reduce the risk of fire
You should clean the filter 3-6 times a year.
Check the manual to find out how to remove the grease filter
Cleaning the dishwasher
1.
2
3.
You should clean the dishwasher once a month. Cleaning the dishwasher regularly prevents build up and unpleasant smells and makes sure the dishes come out clean. It will also extend the time your machine works.
You don’t necessarily need any special detergent to clean your dishwasher, you can clean it with citric acid or a mixture of vinegar and water using the hottest possible washing program. You can use a small brush, for eg a toothbrush to clean out any small nooks.
Remove the waste strainer and waste sieve from the bottom of the machine and clean them with detergent and a dish brush.
Tips
You need a professional to install your dishwasher.
You must install a drain pan under the dishwasher.
The maintenance of the dishwasher is your responsibility.
Cleaning the fridge
2. 1.
Disconnect the power off of the fridge if you need to defrost it. Defrost the fridge every time the frost layer grows thicker than 0,5 cm. Empty the fridge.
Take out the shelves and wash them with water and dish washing liquid. Wipe the empty fridge with a rag and dish washing liquid. Remember to wipe the sealents and the drain hole in the back of the fridge.
3.
Let the fridge dry properly and then switch the power on. Organize the groceries back into the fridge. You can throw out old food at the same time.
Tips
Wipe the dust regularly from behind the fridge and freezer and the grid also. Do this a couple of times a year.
Check the drain pipe as well, if it gets clogged you may have water collecting in the bottom of the fridge.
Make sure your groceries do not touch the back wall of the fridge. This can cause the fridge wall to start gathering ice and your food will start to freeze.
It is also important to observe the temperature of the fridge regularly.
If the drainage hole gets clogged, you can open it carefully with a cotton wool stick.
Defrosting the freezer
2
3
Turn off the freezer and take out all the goods. If you take them outside, it is recommended to put them in a box that has a lid to prevent birds and animals getting into them.
Once you have emptied the freezer, leave the door open so that it starts to melt. Protect the floor from water with towels or other textiles. Check where the water comes out, either through the hole in the bottom of the freezer or the gutter at the front of the fridge. Make sure that the water does not go on the floor.
Once the freezer is defrosted, wipe down the freezer using for eg. a rag and dish washing liquid. The freezer drawers are good to wash using a dish brush and dish washing liquid. Let the freezer and drawers dry well after washing them.
Tips
It is easiest to defrost the freezer in the winter, because you can put the food outside while cleaning it.
Defrosting the freezer at least once a year is important because of hygiene issues, keeping electricity consumption low and ensuring the freezer works longer.
Defrost the freezer at the latest when the layer of ice is half a centimeter thick.
Remember to make sure the ice does not melt onto the floor while defrosting the freezer.
Cleaning the oven
1.
2.
3.
Wipe the walls and bottom of the oven with dish washing liquid or detergent meant for cleaning the oven. You can use a microfiber cloth. Remember to also wipe the oven window from the inside and outside.
Carefully wipe the oven grill.You can use an old dish brush to get the grill cleaned.
You can soak the oven grid in the sink if needed. Scrub stubborn stains with a course sponge or old dish brush. If you soak the the grid or other parts longer, remember to rinse them well.
Tips
The oven needs to be cleaned regularly and as soon as possible when it gets dirty as grime burns onto the surfaces and is then harder to remove.
Remember to also clean stains and crumbs from behind the oven.
You may clean the oven ecologically for eg. using pine sap solution (mäntysuopaliuos) or baking soda. You can find instructions for the use of these online.
Living room
Piirtänyt: Pentti Hyvönen RI
A4 1:70
1. Washing the windows
2.
3.
You can use dish washing liquid, general cleaning detergent or window cleaner to wash the windows. Use the instructions on the bottle for the right dosage. Adding vinegar to the water will help brighten your windows. Wash the window completely with a moist cleaning cloth or scrubber.
Wipe the window glass dry with a window squeegee using horizontal or vertical wipes. Dry the squeegee between wipes on a dry cloth.
Wipe the window frames with a dry cloth or paper. Remember to wipe the dust off the window sill and blinds also.
Washing the floors
1.
2.
3.
Wash the floors with detergent that is suitable for the floor type. In addition to general cleaning detergent there are detergents with a different kind of pH, so choose carefully. For eg. you can wash laminate with general cleaning detergent.
Wet and wring a mop to wash the floors. Rinse the mop every now and then while washing the floors and change the water when it gets dirty. Remember to wring the mop dry enough, you should never wash the floors with a soaking wet mop.
Let the floor dry. Remember to rinse and dry the mop also. It is good to wash the mop from time to time.
Testing the fire alarm
(Battery operated alarm)
1.
2.
3.
Test the fire alarm once a month by pressing the test button on the device. This way you can be sure that it works. You must have at least one fire alarm per 60 sq.m in your home.
Change the fire alarm batteries at least once a year. Change the batteries immediately if the alarm beeps repeatedly.
If the alarm goes off unnecessarily, do not silence it by taking the batteries out. Instead air out the space thoroughly. If the alarm goes off unnecessarily too often for eg. while making food you might want to move the alarm to a better place.
Tips for adjusting the temperature
The target temperature level for a room is 21 degrees. The optimal bedroom temperature level is 19 degrees.
You can adjust the room temperature by using the control valve on the radiator. The radiator will not work if it is covered by a curtain or furniture.
Make sure you leave room around the thermostat when decorating your home so that it will work properly.
Contact the property maintenance if there is too much draft coming from the windows.
The air valves on the window frames must always be open and they need to be cleaned twice a year.
Contact the property maintenance if bugs appear in your apartment. Pest control is more efficient when started early.
Sauna and bathroom
A4 1:70
Shower cubicle
Piirtänyt: Pentti Hyvönen RI
Balcony
sauna And Bathroom note:
Inform maintenance if you notice that the toilet or tap are leaking. Worst case scenario, the leak can cause water damage to the property. You can save water by taking shorter showers and washing dishes and laundry with a full load. If you notice an odour coming from the sink or it empties slowly, it might mean that the odour lock needs cleaning. Make sure the odour lock is in place properly. Inform the property maintenance, they will come and clean the odour lock. Do not put anything else but toilet paper in the toilet bowl. Other rubbish will block the pipes over time. Place rubbish and bio waste in the rubbish bin, because if you for eg. pour oil in the drain it can collect onto the walls of the pipes over time.
All the bathroom walls are waterproofed. Do not make any holes in the walls without permission.Painting the walls or tiles without permission is also forbidden.
Cleaning the floor drain
1.
2.
3.
Lift the grid off the floor drain. You can use a pen or screw driver to remove it.
Remove hair or any other solid substance. Rinse the floor drain with warm water.
Wash the floor drain and the grid with warm water and detergent. An old dish brush is good for this. Wash the drain lock as well and put it back in place. Inform the maintenance if you can’t get the drain lock back in place.
Cleaning the washing machine
Wipe the outside of the machine every now and then and remember to check the lint filter. You can also wash the lint filter with a dish brush and detergent. Check the instruction manual for how to remove the lint filter. Let the washing machine always dry with the lid open! 2 1 3
Clean the detergent compartments for eg. with a dish brush and detergent. Also clean the rubber collar with a brush and detergent. Dry them properly.Do not remove the rubber collar!
Run the machine empty using the 90 degree washing program. You can put a little amount of laundry detergent in the machine. Do not use a lot to prevent an excess amount of foam forming. You can also wash the machine by putting 100g citric acid in the detergent compartment. After this run the machine on the 60 degree program with normal laundry detergent.
tips
You also need to clean and take care of your washing machine to make sure your laundry comes out clean.
Clean the washing machine by running the 90 degree program at least once a year. If your clothes smell musty after washing them, it is time to clean the washing machine.
You can clean the washing machine with detergent specifically meant for it. Make sure it is suitable for your machine before you use it!
Remember to keep the detergent and fabric softener compartments clean. Wipe any sprays and stains, you can for eg. use a dish brush and detergent.
It is recommended to use a professional when installing the washing machine!
Cleaning the ventilation valve
1.
2.
3.
Turn the outer ring counterclockwise. Pull the valve out.
Clean the valve with a detergent solution and dry it. Clean the foam muffler ring also if it has one. The vacuum cleaner is good for this.
Put the valve back in place by rotating the outer ring clockwise.
Tips
The ventilation ducts are usually situated in the bathroom and kitchen. It is good to clean the valves regularly, to ensure good air circulation.
There are cleaning detergents on sale that have the instructions on how to dilute the product for use.
Cleaning the sauna
1.
2.
3.
Remove all the loose furniture from the sauna, for eg. the sauna stool. Vacuum clean any dust or sweepings or use a floor screed
Rinse all the wooden surfaces with warm water, so that the wood pores open.Wash the sauna with a general cleaning detergent or sauna detergent and a soft brush. Rinse with cold water to close the pores.Rinse and wash the walls from top to bottom.
Wash, rinse and dry the floors. Put the sauna on for a little while after washing it to dry the surfaces.
Tips
You can vacuum clean the sauna weekly while vacuum cleaning the rest of the apartment.
You should clean the sauna a couple of times a year.
Remember: Do not dry laundry or store any items in the sauna. This can cause a fire hazard risk!
The balcony and yard
Balcony
Hallway
Sauna
Shower cubicle
balcony and yard
The balcony or yard are not meant for storing your belongings. In case of fire you may need to use the balcony or yard as an emergency exit and you have to make sure the route is free.
In addition for eg. boxes stored on the balcony can cause a fire hazard.
Jf you install flower boxes on the balcony you must attach them onto the inside of the balcony so that they don’t fall down.
Grilling on the balcony or private yard is forbidden. The properties quite often have a barbecue area which can be used as long as you take into recognition the quiet time that starts at 22.00.
Smoking is forbidden in all the communal areas. Smoking is only allowed in separately marked areas.
Do not feed wildlife on the property. Birds spread contagious diseases and leaving food in the surroundings can coax rats.
SORTING TRASH AND RECYCLING
Biowaste:
food scraps
fruit and vegetable peels
coffee grounds and filter
paper
hand towels and napkins
egg shells
fish bones
dried flowers
Mixed waste:
porcelain, ceramic and glass jars
rubber,leather, shoes and dirty and strong smelling textiles
sanitary pads, diapers, band aids cigarette butts.
Cardboard:
chipboard cartons, for eg.
milk cartons
takeaway meal cartons
corrugated cardboard
boxes, paper bags
egg cartons
toilet paper and hand towel rolls
Flatten the packages before recycling!
Glass: coloured and clear glass bottles and jars
glass packages that have one of the following codes: GL70, GL71, GL72.
You can also check the recycling instructions for eg. from the Jätekukko website: Lajitteluopas & Lajittelun ABC.
Paper: newspapers and magazines, advertisements, pamphlets
envelopes and postcards
catalouges
copy paper and printouts
white drawing paper and notepad paper
Metal:
tin cans and deposit free drink cans
metal lids and caps
aluminium packages, tin foil
pots, frying pans, cutlery and scissors
Plastic:
plastic packages for food storage, for eg. joghurt packages, cutlet packages
detergent-, shampooand soap bottles
plastic bottles, -canisters and -jars flattened
plastic bags and wrappings
EPS- styrofoam packages
Hazardous waste batteries
perfume, after shave nail polish and -remover aerosol cans, hairspray, hair
mousse, deodorant
paints
oil
grease fiber glass
You are not allowed to take large furniture or electric appliances into the garbage shed, you need to recycle them in another way.
YOUTH HOUSING GUIDE THANKS
Setlementti Puijola City of Kuopio
Savonia-university of applied sciences
This guide book has been made as part of a Savonia university of applied sciences bachelor of social services thesis.
We wish you a rewarding housing experience
Authors Paula Puurunen
Minttu Tähtinen
Jasmin Virranta