The most common of all causes for an argument is noise emanating from the neighbour's property, often through open doors and windows.
Another good starting-point is items - particularly a baby's pram or stroller - placed blocking access to the basement storage lockers in an apartment block.
Carpets and rugs being beaten at the wrong times will often do the trick.
Using the apartment block's common washing machine & dryer facilities at the wrong time.
Parking in the wrong space (especially one with a winter block-heater outlet) and children's games in the yard are both good choices. Having guests who park in the wrong place AND make a lot of noise during their visit is a double-whammy.
Bad smells emanating from the neighbour's property will cause trouble. These are usually food-related. The summer barbecue can also cause a nuisance, if the wind is blowing the wrong way.
Filling common garbage containers with "the wrong stuff", or using the neighbour's garbage bin for your own items.
Cigarette ash floating down to a neighbour's window-ledges or balcony after someone smokes outside on the balcony.
The (bad) behaviour of family pets. Dogs bark at the wrong time or all the time, while cats lay siege to the neighbour's bird-feeding table or tear up the crocuses while doing their toilet business.
In areas with small houses, taking a shortcut home across the neighbour's yard is pretty certain to cause a reaction. Leaving rubbish or renovation debris on the neighbour's side of the property divide will also generate heat.
Building something on the neighbour's lot is really naughty, and probably illegal.
Finally, watching the actions of the neighbours like a hawk (binoculars optional) will ensure an argument, regardless of the type of housing that is involved.
Helsingin Sanomat / Adapted from an article first published in print, 28.2.2008
