Renting a Home in Finland
A comprehensive guide to renting a home in Finland covering tenancy agreements, security deposits, extra costs, rent increases, condition records, tenant liability and notice periods.
1. Distinguish open-ended and fixed-term leases before signing
A Finnish residential lease can be open-ended or fixed-term. An open-ended lease can be terminated subject to statutory notice rules. A fixed-term lease is generally binding until the agreed end date and early departure can create financial consequences.
An oral residential lease can be valid, but it is generally treated as open-ended. A fixed-term residential lease normally needs to be in writing, subject to limited exceptions such as holiday accommodation. Use a written agreement in all cases to reduce disputes.
2. Calculate total housing cost, not only the advertised rent
Monthly rent can be accompanied by water, electricity, internet, parking, sauna, home-insurance and other charges. Check in the lease which costs are included and which are calculated separately by household size or actual consumption.
Tenants usually arrange their own electricity contract. Home insurance is not universally required by law, but many landlords make it a contractual condition. Arrange electricity, insurance and payment details before key handover to avoid move-in problems.
3. A security deposit can be agreed up to the statutory limit
Residential security deposits are commonly one to three months' rent; a security requirement exceeding three months' rent is not valid. The lease should state clearly which obligations the deposit secures.
The security deposit is not ordinary income for the landlord. When the lease ends, it should be returned without delay unless there is a genuine basis such as unpaid rent, tenant-caused damage or inadequate final cleaning. Normal wear and tear is not a valid reason to retain the deposit.
4. Record the apartment's condition in photos and writing at move-in
At key handover, photograph walls, floors, doors, appliances, bathroom and any furnishings. Report pre-existing damage or defects to the landlord in writing with a date. This record protects both tenant and landlord if a deposit dispute later arises.
A tenant can be liable for damage caused intentionally or negligently, but not for normal ageing and ordinary wear. Report defects or leaks promptly rather than allowing damage to worsen.
Checklist
- Move-in photos and video
- Written list of existing defects
- Number of keys and handover record
- Meter readings where relevant
- Lease, deposit and first-rent payment records
5. A landlord cannot raise rent unilaterally without an agreed basis
The basis for rent adjustment must be agreed in the lease or the parties must later agree on a new rent. Without a clause setting out a mechanism such as an index, percentage or euro amount, a landlord cannot simply increase rent unilaterally because market rents have risen.
Where a valid adjustment clause exists, the landlord should notify the tenant in writing of the new rent and effective date. Disputes about the reasonableness of rent or an increase can be assessed using KKV guidance and, where necessary, the courts or Consumer Disputes Board.
6. Notice is one month for the tenant and three or six months for the landlord
For an open-ended residential lease, the tenant's statutory notice period is one month and cannot be lengthened by agreement. The landlord's notice period is three months if the tenancy has lasted less than one year and six months if it has lasted at least one year; these landlord periods cannot be shortened by contract.
As a rule, the notice period is calculated from the last day of the calendar month in which notice is given. Give notice in writing and in a form that proves delivery. A fixed-term lease generally cannot be ended early through ordinary notice.
7. Close the tenancy with final cleaning and a deposit record
When moving out, clean the apartment as required, return all keys and photograph the final condition. Do not simply stop paying the last rent instalment on the assumption that the security deposit will cover it; rent remains payable until the lease ends.
If money is withheld from the deposit, the landlord should be able to substantiate the reason and amount. Start a dispute with a written claim; if unresolved, Consumer Advisory Services, the Consumer Disputes Board or court proceedings may be relevant depending on the parties.
Common questions about this topic
What is the maximum residential security deposit in Finland?
A security requirement exceeding three months' rent is not valid for a residential lease. In practice deposits are commonly between one and three months' rent.
How much notice does a tenant give on an open-ended lease?
The statutory tenant notice period is one month and cannot be extended by agreement. As a rule, it is calculated from the last day of the month in which notice is given.
Can the landlord raise the rent whenever they want?
No. The lease must contain an agreed basis for adjustment or the parties must agree on a new rent. Without a valid adjustment clause, the landlord cannot impose a unilateral increase.
Can normal wear and tear be deducted from the deposit?
No. A tenant is not liable for ordinary wear caused by normal use. Withholding requires a genuine basis such as unpaid rent, tenant-caused damage or inadequate cleaning.
Can I leave a fixed-term lease whenever I want?
Generally no. A fixed-term lease is binding for the agreed term, and early departure can lead to compensation or liability for remaining rent. Specific statutory exceptions are separate.
Official sources
The following primary or public sources were checked for this guide. Current authority instructions always take precedence.
- KKV - Terminating a lease
- KKV - Security deposit
- KKV - Paying rent and rent increases
- KKV - Tenant obligations and liability
- InfoFinland - Tenancy agreement
Prepared by: ENB Consulting Editorial Team · Reviewed by: ENB Consulting
Guides that naturally follow this topic
Public Transport in Finland
A starter guide to trains, buses and local public-transport systems in the Helsinki region and across Finland.
Open guidePractical FinlandHealthcare in Finland for Newcomers
An overview of public healthcare, private care, Kela links and emergency services for newcomers in Finland.
Open guidePractical FinlandInsurance in Finland for Newcomers
A newcomer guide to distinguishing compulsory and optional coverage when considering home, motor, travel and personal insurance.
Open guideNeed a case-specific assessment?
General guides do not replace individual legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. ENB can assess your circumstances and documents separately.