Housing Allowances in Finland — Tenant Rights

This comprehensive guide explains how housing allowances and rent support work in Finland and what tenants should know. The text describes who is eligible to apply for Kela housing allowance or municipal rent support, how support affects rent payments, and how to act in tenancy problems such as repair requests, rent increases, or the threat of eviction. The article gives practical advice on applications, legal consequences and documentation, and explains when it is wise to seek counseling or, if necessary, take the matter to court. We keep the language understandable and provide step-by-step instructions to protect a tenant's rights.

Basics of Housing Support

Housing allowance and rent support are intended for low-income tenants and cover part of housing costs. Eligibility is based on factors such as the applicant's income, housing expenses and family situation; applicable legislation guides tenancy relations and housing rules.^[1]

Who is the support for

The support is generally aimed at tenants with limited income who pay rent from their own or their family's living expenses. Students and pensioners can also be eligible if the housing costs and income meet the conditions.

How support affects rent and benefits

• Housing support effectively reduces the tenant's share of the rent burden.
• Keep all rent receipts and support application attachments such as the lease and income proofs as evidence.
• If you want to change a Kela or municipal decision, follow the appeal instructions and deadlines carefully.

If a housing allowance decision does not match expectations, you can first request rectification or clarification from the decision-making authority. If necessary, the matter can be escalated to the consumer disputes board or district court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can get housing allowance?

Eligibility for housing allowance depends on income, housing costs and family relationships; applications are assessed individually.

How do I appeal a Kela decision?

You can request rectification from the authority that made the decision and later seek change in administrative court within the given deadlines.

What should I do if the landlord does not fix apartment defects?

Notify the landlord in writing about the need for repairs, document the defects and, if necessary, take the matter forward legally.

How-To

1. First calculate your income and housing costs and check Kela's or the municipality's support conditions.
2. Gather required attachments: lease agreement, payslip or other income proof, and receipts proving housing costs.
3. Fill in the housing support application correctly and attach the requested documents.
4. Submit the application and observe deadlines; keep a dated copy and a receipt of delivery.
5. Notify the landlord of repair needs in writing and keep evidence if the living conditions deteriorate.
6. If the issue is not resolved, you may bring the dispute to the consumer disputes board or district court with supporting evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Calculate the housing support impact on your rent share before applying.
• Report and document repair needs immediately if the apartment's condition worsens.
• Keep all evidence and attachments; they are decisive in disputes.

Help and Support

• [1] Finlex - Act on Residential Leases
• [2] Oikeus.fi - Court services
• [3] KKV - Consumer and competition guidance

1. [1] Finlex - Act on Residential Leases
2. [2] Oikeus.fi - Court services
3. [3] KKV - Consumer and competition guidance