Are Utilities Included in Rent in Finland
As a tenant, you may be unsure what the rent actually covers: does it include electricity, water or heating, or will the landlord charge these separately? This guide explains how provisions are interpreted in Finland, what should be written in the lease, and how to act if the parties have different understandings. We explain tenant and landlord responsibilities in practical terms and guide how to document situations and when to seek official advice or make a written notice. The article also points to important sources and gives concrete action tips for different situations.
What does "included" in the rent mean?
When something is said to "be included in the rent", it usually means that the service or cost is already covered by the monthly rent and the tenant does not pay it separately. This must be clearly recorded in the lease or another written agreement so that both tenant and landlord know what was agreed.
Keep all payment receipts organized and stored safely.
Which running costs are commonly mentioned in leases?
- Electricity costs (for example communal or allocated to the apartment)
- Water and wastewater charges
- Heating and building heating costs
- Waste management and common services
- Possible additional fees, such as internet, if agreed separately
Check lease entries before deciding to move in.
How to interpret lease wording?
Be careful with wording: if the lease states, for example, "rent covers water charges", then water costs are included. If it instead states that "water charges are billed according to consumption", the tenant pays separately. In unclear cases, request a written clarification from the landlord and keep all messages and receipts for potential disputes.[1]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is electricity usually included in the rent?
- No, not automatically; electricity can be included only if explicitly agreed in the lease.
- How can I confirm which costs I must pay?
- Check the lease and request a written confirmation from the landlord if needed. Keep all receipts and communications.
- What if the landlord demands unexpected extra charges?
- First negotiate with the landlord and ask for a clear breakdown. If unresolved, seek consumer advice or file an official complaint if necessary.[2]
How-To
- Read the lease carefully and look for clauses mentioning electricity, water or heating.
- Ask the landlord for a written clarification if the agreement is unclear.
- Collect receipts, meter readings and correspondence as written evidence.
- Contact consumer advice or take the matter to court if the disagreement continues.
Help and Support
- Finlex – Legislation and translations
- Oikeus.fi – Court services and guidance
- KKV – Consumer guidance
