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Further useful information

Small vocabulary of the Finnish real estate terms

Usually the short form of information about an apartment in advertisements is written like this (example) in Finnish:

36 m2, 1h, k, kph, parveke, 700,00 €/ kk

Explanation:

Apartment is 36 m2, and it has:

1h = one room
k = kitchen
kph = bathroom
parveke = balcony

rent is 700€/month

“36 m2 Studio apartment with kitchen, bathroom and balcony”.

A more extensive and printable list of the Finnish real estate terms is found in the website of Expat-Finland (expat-finland.com)

Tenancy issues - Good to know

• NOTE: When renting an apartment on the private market you should not pay rent or deposit payments in advance if you have not seen the apartment first.
• It is recommended that you always make a written rental contract with the landlord.
• Make sure that the amount of the rent, the final day for the rent payment as well as the rent increase conditions are mentioned in the rental agreement. It is good to know that usually the amount of rent is checked annually.
• The rent is usually paid monthly through bank transfer. Cheques or cash payments of rent (or any other bills) are uncommon in Finland.
• If you pay the rent OR the deposit with cash you are advised to ask for a receipt or other documentation of the payment - and you have legal rights to get one.
• If not already mentioned and agreed in the rental contract, always ask permission from the landlord if you wish to; do renovations, e.g. paint a wall in the rental apartment, have a pet or sublet a room.
• When moving in it is recommended that you inform the landlord of all possible damages caused by the previous tenants.
• Keep the apartment in good condition - the tenant is always responsible for the damage made, whether by intent or caused by neglect and carelessness.
• Normal “marks of living” as a result of a longer tenancy time, are acceptable in a rental apartment.
• The landlord has to make sure that the rental apartment is in good condition and e.g. the stove, fridge and heating is working properly.
• The landlord does not have the right to come to the apartment without a good reason and without notifying you first. The landlord has the right to come inspect the condition of the apartment and possible needs for renovation. The landlord also has the right to come to the apartment when showing it to possible new tenants, when your rental period is close to ending.
• You are entitled to a temporary decrease of rent if your apartment is under major renovations (e.g. plumbing work) that hinders your normal way of living.
• You as a tenant are able to terminate your rental agreement by giving one month’s notice (exception: fixed term contracts where the contract is valid until when it has been agreed within the rental agreement). The term of notice is counted from the end of that month when you give the notice. (Example: You give notice to terminate the rental agreement on 14th of May. The rental agreement is thus valid until June 30th, when it is terminated officially, regarding one month’s notice. This means that you need to pay the rent for June).
• If the landlord terminates the rental agreement, they have to give 6 month’s notice in the case of a tenancy for at least one year. If the tenancy has lasted less than one year, the notice time is 3 months from the landlord.
• When you move out, you need to clean the apartment thoroughly- remember this includes the fridge and oven.

Cultural Tips on Housing in Finland

It is good to know some general issues regarding housing in Finland.

Here you can find small brochure from where you can obtain some tips for living especially in an apartment building in Finland.

Cultural Tips on Housing in Finland.pdf

Formalities, guidelines and other useful

Official matters, e.g. immigration formalities for staff is found in here (aalto.fi)

Expat-Finland (expat-finland.com)

Infopankki (infopankki.fi)

Fair rental practices guide at Vuokralaiset website (vuokralaiset.fi)