Tenant Rights and Responsibilities in Finland
A comprehensive guide to Finnish tenant rights and responsibilities covering lease terms, security deposits, rent increases, apartment condition, normal wear, notice periods, rent reductions and evidence in disputes.
1. Distinguish indefinite and fixed-term leases correctly
An indefinite lease can be terminated using statutory notice periods. A fixed-term lease generally binds both parties for the agreed period, and early termination can have financial consequences. Read the start/end dates and any clause concerning the first possible termination date before signing.
KKV notes that an oral lease can be valid, but a written lease is safer. For ordinary residential rentals, an oral fixed-term arrangement is generally treated as indefinite, so keep important terms in writing.
2. A security deposit is not money the landlord may freely use
A security deposit can secure obligations stated in the lease, such as unpaid rent, damage caused by the tenant or inadequate final cleaning. It cannot be withheld for normal wear and tear resulting from ordinary living.
According to KKV, the landlord must have a genuine reason and evidence for withholding the deposit. Where there are no grounds for withholding, the deposit should be returned promptly when the lease ends, and unjustified delay can lead to default interest.
Checklist
- Is the purpose of the deposit clear in the lease?
- Is payment documented through a bank or equivalent record?
- Were photos/videos taken at move-in?
- Were existing defects reported in writing?
- Is final cleaning and key return documented?
3. A rent increase needs a valid contractual basis
A landlord cannot simply raise rent by any amount unilaterally during the tenancy. The lease must contain a valid adjustment mechanism, or the parties must later agree on a new rent. The adjustment clause should state the basis on which the increase is calculated.
Before an increase takes effect, the landlord should notify the tenant in writing of the new rent and effective date. If there is no adjustment clause and the parties do not agree, the existing rent does not simply change unilaterally; the landlord may consider ordinary termination subject to the applicable rules.
4. Defects in the apartment can create a right to rent reduction
If the home is not in the agreed condition or a defect materially interferes with normal living, the tenant can claim a reasonable rent reduction. If the dwelling is entirely unusable because of the defect, there can be circumstances in which rent is not payable for the affected period.
A tenant should not simply decide unilaterally to stop paying rent. Report the defect to the landlord in writing, keep dated photographs and records, and determine the reduction through agreement or dispute-resolution channels.
5. The tenant is liable for negligent damage, not normal wear and tear
The tenant must take reasonable care of the apartment and report damage promptly. Damage caused intentionally or negligently can be the tenant's responsibility. Normal ageing and wear from ordinary use cannot simply be charged to the tenant.
Move-in and move-out photographs, defect notifications, repair invoices and cleaning evidence are important in disputes. A landlord alleging abnormal damage should be able to support the claim with concrete evidence.
6. Calculate notice periods according to who terminates
For an indefinite principal residential lease, the tenant's statutory notice period is one month. If the landlord terminates, the notice period is three months when the tenancy has lasted less than one year and six months when it has lasted at least one year. The landlord's statutory period cannot be shortened by contract and the tenant's cannot be lengthened.
Notice should be given in writing in a way that can be proven. A landlord's notice should state the reason and the date on which the tenancy ends. The landlord cannot evict a tenant by changing locks personally; where necessary, eviction requires a court judgment and official enforcement process.
Common questions about this topic
Can the landlord withhold the deposit for normal wear and tear?
No. Normal wear from ordinary living is not damage for which the tenant is liable. A deduction for damage or cleaning needs a genuine basis and evidence.
Can the landlord raise rent whenever they want?
No. There must be a valid adjustment basis in the lease or a later agreement between the parties. The new amount and effective date should be notified in writing.
What is the tenant's notice period?
For an indefinite principal residential lease, the statutory tenant notice period is one month. A lease can contain a separate earliest termination date, while fixed-term leases operate differently.
Can I stop paying rent if there is mould or a serious defect?
Do not stop paying unilaterally. Notify the defect in writing and claim an appropriate reduction or exemption for an unusable period where justified. Use KKV/Consumer Advisory Services guidance if the matter is disputed.
Official sources
The following primary or public sources were checked for this guide. Current authority instructions always take precedence.
- KKV - Rental apartments
- KKV - Security deposit
- KKV - Paying rent and rent raises
- KKV - Terminating a lease
- Finlex - Act on Residential Leases
Prepared by: ENB Consulting Editorial Team · Reviewed by: ENB Consulting
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