Finding and renting a flat in Finland has its own rules and culture. This guide walks you through what to expect.
Main rental platforms are Vuokraovi.com and Oikotie.fi. Facebook groups like "Vuokra-asunnot Helsinki" are also very active. For lower-income housing, look into HOAS (Helsinki student housing), TOAS (Tampere), and TYS (Turku). City-owned affordable housing (Heka in Helsinki) has waiting lists.
Competition is fierce in major cities, especially Helsinki. Be ready to apply quickly. Landlords may ask for: a recent credit check, proof of income (employment contract or student acceptance letter), and references. Finnish credit history is tracked by Asiakastieto - newcomers have no Finnish credit history which can sometimes be an issue.
Insist on a written agreement (vuokrasopimus). The agreement should specify: monthly rent, security deposit amount, what is included (utilities, internet), and notice periods. Standard notice from a tenant is 1 month; from a landlord it is typically 3 months for an open-ended contract.
The maximum deposit is 3 months of rent. It is returned within 1–2 months of moving out, minus legitimate deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Always photograph every room thoroughly before moving in and note any existing damage in writing to the landlord.
Finnish tenant law (Laki asuinhuoneiston vuokrauksesta) is protective. Landlords cannot raise rent during a fixed-term contract, must maintain the property in good condition, and need a genuine reason to terminate a lease early. If disputes arise, the Rental Housing Ombudsman can mediate.
Common mistake
Not documenting the apartment condition on move-in day. This is the main source of deposit disputes. Take 50+ photos with timestamps on the first day.
Good to know
Furnished apartments are rare in Finland - most come empty or with only large appliances. IKEA, Jysk, and second-hand stores like Kierrätyskeskus are popular for furnishing quickly.