Renting a Home in Finland 2026: Complete Newcomer Guide to Deposits, Leases, Notice Periods and Housing

1. Private and municipal rental housing

The private rental market can be faster, although landlords may check income, employment and credit information. Having no Finnish credit history because you are new is not the same as having a negative credit record.

Municipal rental housing is generally allocated using criteria such as housing need, assets and income rather than purely first-come-first-served ordering. Demand can be high in major cities.

2. Open-ended and fixed-term leases

An open-ended tenancy continues until lawfully terminated by either party and is generally more flexible when the length of stay is uncertain.

A fixed-term tenancy ends automatically on the agreed date and generally cannot be terminated early through ordinary notice. Early departure can create compensation liability, subject to specific statutory exceptions.

3. Security deposit

The deposit secures unpaid rent, damage or other tenancy obligations. It may not exceed three months' rent; one or two months is common.

Pay only to a verified landlord or authorised agent under the agreed lease terms. The deposit cannot automatically be treated as the final month's rent. It should be returned after the tenancy when no unpaid obligations or tenant-caused damage remain.

4. Apartment condition and extra costs

On move-in day, document scratches, stains, appliance defects and other existing damage with photos/video and a written inspection list. Suomi.fi specifically recommends documenting the initial condition and defects in writing.

Additional costs can include water, electricity, heating, internet, parking, sauna, laundry and, in detached homes, waste and other costs. Home insurance may be required by the lease and is prudent in practice.

5. How notice periods work

For an open-ended lease, the tenant's notice period is one calendar month. It is generally calculated from the end of the calendar month in which notice is given. For example, notice given on 2 June generally means the notice month runs after the end of June, so July rent can remain payable.

The landlord's notice period is three months if the tenancy has lasted less than one year and six months once it has lasted at least one year. Notice should be written and provable.

6. Landlord access, discrimination and tenant rights

A landlord cannot normally enter the home arbitrarily. Where there is a legitimate reason such as inspecting the condition, the visit should be notified in advance; emergencies can justify access by maintenance/master key.

Citizenship or nationality is not a lawful basis for housing discrimination, although landlords may lawfully request information about income, creditworthiness and tenant suitability.

7. Scam risks and housing checklist

Especially when renting from abroad, do not send a deposit before verifying the landlord's ownership/authority, address, lease and payment details. An unusually low rent, pressure for immediate payment and refusal to show the apartment are strong warning signs.

8. Step by step: from first viewing to moving in

9. Moving out, getting the deposit back and disputes

Give notice in writing and in a way you can prove; in an open-ended lease the tenant's one-month notice period runs from the last day of the calendar month in which notice was given. Before you leave, clean the flat, return every key and, if possible, do a final inspection together with the landlord; photograph the condition on the way out too.

The landlord must return the deposit without delay after the tenancy ends if there is no unpaid rent and no damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted. In a dispute, first contact the landlord in writing; if that fails, consumer advisory services help free of charge, and you can take the dispute to the Consumer Disputes Board (Kuluttajariitalautakunta), also free of charge.