Hearing and Appeal for Tenants in Finland

What do a hearing and an appeal mean?

A hearing is an opportunity to provide your explanation or response to a tenancy matter, such as a repair request, rent increase or eviction. Correction and appeal are ways to ask an authority or court to change or overturn a decision; they often involve deadlines and formal requirements found in tenancy legislation such as the Act on Residential Leases^[1].

Prepare your evidence

Before the hearing, collect all relevant documents and evidence. Good preparation helps present a clear and credible account of the situation.

• The tenancy agreement and any additional terms that define responsibilities.
• Photos and written repair requests showing defects or faults.
• Receipts and invoices for repair costs or other payments.
• Correspondence and emails with dates and content of communications.
• Mark deadlines and receipt dates so you do not miss legal time limits.

How to file a correction or appeal

The form and addressee of a correction or appeal depend on the type of decision; official guidelines and local court practices can be found on judiciary and other official sites^[2]. Before proceeding, check deadlines, required forms and necessary evidence.

1. Write a clear, specific correction request or appeal explaining what should change and why.
2. Attach copies of key evidence: photos, receipts, repair requests and messages.
3. Show that you act within deadlines: note when you received the decision and the last date to appeal.
4. If needed, contact advisory services or consumer authorities before filing.
5. If the case goes to court, check procedural rules and possible costs.

Which authorities should I contact?

Depending on the matter, contact points include the Consumer Disputes Board, the courts or the Consumer Protection and Competition Authority. Official instructions and forms are available on authority websites to ensure you follow correct procedures^[3].

• Consumer Disputes Board for consumer-related tenancy disagreements.
• Court when a legal judgment or enforcement is required.
• Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) for consumer advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly must I respond to a hearing?

The response time is usually stated in writing; reply as soon as possible and by the stated deadline.

What evidence should I collect?

Collect the tenancy agreement, repair requests, photos of defects, receipts for repairs and all communications between the parties.

Who can I contact if I want to appeal?

You can contact the Consumer Disputes Board, the KKV, or, if necessary, bring the matter to court depending on the nature of the issue.

How-To

1. Check the deadline stated in the decision and mark the final date in your calendar.
2. Gather all evidence in order and make copies.
3. Prepare a clear appeal or correction request and attach the evidence.
4. Seek guidance from authorities or consumer advice services if needed.
5. If the case proceeds to court, follow the judiciary instructions and file documents on time.

Help and Support

• Finlex — Act on Residential Leases
• Oikeus.fi — Appeal guidance
• KKV — Consumer advice

1. [1] Finlex — Act on Residential Leases
2. [2] Oikeus.fi — Appeal guidance
3. [3] KKV — Consumer advice