How Tenants Report Changes in Finland
As a tenant in Finland, it is important to report changes promptly so the tenancy remains functional and rights are protected. This guide explains how to make written notifications to the landlord, note repair needs and document maintenance requests clearly. It also covers when to report changes in the dwelling, such as address changes, household size or the appearance of spaces harmful to health. The instructions also apply when evidence is needed for rent arrears, access rights or alterations. The goal is to help tenants act calmly, prevent disputes and secure the possibility to resolve repair responsibilities in Finland. In practice, I recommend written emails or registered letters, date markings and photos of damages. Keep copies of messages and responses, note dates and any proposed repair measures. If the landlord does not respond, you can seek advice from authorities such as the KKV.[3] These steps help ensure tenancy obligations and maintenance duties can be proven and resolved if necessary in Finland.
When to notify about a change?
Notify a change as soon as it affects living conditions, safety or contract terms. This includes, for example, an address change, long-term moisture damage or changes in the number of occupants that may affect rent or responsibility allocation. Provisions in the Act on Residential Leases apply to notification situations.[1]
How to make the notification and document it
A good notification is clear, timely and documented. Include a description of the change, the time, the location and the requested action.
- Written notification: send an email or a registered letter to the landlord and keep copies.
- Photos and videos: document damages, mold or other visible problems clearly.
- Dates and messages: record events and keep message threads as supporting evidence.
- Repair requests: describe the needed repair and propose a reasonable deadline for action.
What to do if the landlord does not respond?
If the landlord does not react within a reasonable time, send a written reminder and clearly state the next steps. If the situation continues, you can seek advice from authorities or, if needed, bring the matter to dispute resolution.
Legal actions and advice
Before taking a matter to dispute resolution, seek negotiation and keep thorough documentation. If necessary, you can get guidance and complaint instructions from the KKV or use legal services to advance the case.[3] Official court service instructions and necessary forms are available at oikeus.fi.[2] Legislation and contractual obligations are available via Finlex.[1]
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I notify my landlord about a change?
- Send a written notification by email or registered letter, describe the change and attach evidence.
- What documents do I need?
- Photos, date markings, message threads and possible witnesses help with verification.
- How long should I wait for repairs before further action?
- Set a reasonable deadline in writing and state clearly the next steps if repairs are not made.
How-To: How to make a notification
- Record the change and note the date and location in the dwelling.
- Take photos and videos that show the problem clearly.
- Send a written notification to the landlord and keep copies.
- If there is no reply, contact advice services or an authority and submit the documentation.
Key takeaways
- Always keep all evidence.
- Use written communication for traceability.
- Act promptly and note deadlines.
Help and support
- Finlex: Act on Residential Leases (481/1995)
- Oikeus.fi: Guidance and forms
- Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV)
