Rent Reduction for Defects in Finland

What Does Rent Reduction Mean?

Rent reduction means a lower rent in situations where the apartment does not meet the agreed or normal standard of living, for example due to moisture, heating failures, or water damage. A tenant has the right to demand a reasonable rent reduction if defects significantly reduce habitability. This is regulated in residential lease legislation.^[1]

When Can You Demand a Rent Reduction?

• Repair requirements and habitability (repair): when the defect significantly reduces living standards.
• Evidence: photos, messages, repair receipts and other documents (evidence) help support the claim.
• Notice to the landlord: make a written notification and request repair and rent reduction (notice).
• Deadlines: give the landlord a reasonable time to fix the defect before taking further steps (deadline).
• If no agreement: in disputes you can turn to the consumer disputes board or the courts (court).

How to Request and Document a Rent Reduction

Start with a written notification describing the defect, its effect on living conditions, and request a specific rent reduction or repair. Attach evidence such as photos, dates and any repair cost estimates. Keep copies of all correspondence and any maintenance requests and invoices.

If the landlord does not respond or disputes the claim, you can propose mediation or seek resolution from authorities. The consumer disputes board can handle tenancy disputes, and if necessary the matter can be brought before a district court.^[2]

Negotiation and Necessary Legal Steps

Before legal action, try to negotiate with the landlord and agree on repairs or rent reduction in writing. If no settlement is reached, next steps can include getting advice from consumer counseling or filing a complaint with the consumer disputes board and ultimately bringing a case to court. Litigation may require thorough documentation and clear evidence of the defect's impact on living conditions.^[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a rent reduction if the apartment has moisture damage?

Yes, if moisture damage significantly affects living conditions, you can demand a reasonable rent reduction and repair.

How much can rent be reduced?

The size of the reduction depends on the extent of the defect and its impact on living, and is assessed case by case.

What documents do I need to request a rent reduction?

Collect photos, written notices to the landlord, messages, and repair invoices or estimates.

How-To

1. Gather evidence: take photos, save messages and keep receipts and other documents that show the defect and its impact (document).
2. Notify in writing: prepare a clear written notification to the landlord describing the defect and requesting repair and rent reduction (notice).
3. Set a deadline: give the landlord a reasonable deadline to fix the issue and state the next steps if not fixed (deadline).
4. Seek advice: contact consumer counseling or mediation services before legal action (contact).
5. Proceed if needed: if no settlement, consider bringing the claim to the consumer disputes board or district court (court).

Help and Support

• [1] Finlex: Act on Residential Leases (481/1995)
• [2] KKV: Consumer guidance and dispute resolution
• [3] Oikeus.fi: Court services and guidance

1. [1] Finlex: Act on Residential Leases (481/1995)
2. [2] KKV: Consumer guidance and dispute resolution
3. [3] Oikeus.fi: Court services and guidance