Check Consumption Bills - Tenant in Finland

As a tenant, it is important to understand how water, electricity and heating costs are calculated and what to do if a bill appears incorrect. This guide explains practical steps from reading the meter and comparing bills to requesting a written clarification and correcting an incorrect charge. The advice is written clearly from a tenant perspective in Finland and helps identify common billing issues, gather evidence and choose next steps such as contacting the landlord, consumer advice or, if necessary, legal action.

How to check a consumption bill

First check what the bill covers: is it apartment-specific metering or a building-wide consumption shared by a distribution key. Also find out whether heating is billed by energy type or as a share of the building's total consumption. Many disputes arise from meter reading errors, unclear distribution keys or billing period changes.

• Take a photo of the meter reading and compare it with the bill reading.
• Check previous bills and receipts for consumption comparison.
• Compare the distribution method: is the share calculated by floor area, number of apartments, or another basis.
• Check whether heating, water and electricity costs match the apartment size and usage.
• Request a written breakdown from the landlord or property manager if something is unclear.
• Save all messages, photos and receipts as evidence.

If the bill's basis appears incorrect, first make a clear request for clarification to the landlord or property manager and ask for a written breakdown. In Finland, the applicable rental laws may affect obligations and rights, so mention the relevant law when making your request ^[1]. If the landlord does not correct the error or you do not receive a satisfactory explanation, you can seek advice from the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) ^[2] and, if necessary, bring the matter to the district court ^[3].

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the meter reading correctly?

Record the meter number and take a photo of the reading to ensure the same number appears on the bill.

What do I do if the bill is clearly too high?

Request a written breakdown from the landlord, collect evidence and contact consumer advice or the KKV.

How long should I keep receipts and meter photos?

Keep receipts and photos at least until the bill is clear or any dispute is resolved.

How to proceed

1. Take a photo of the meter reading immediately and note the reading.
2. Request a written breakdown of the bill from the landlord or property manager.
3. Contact the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) or consumer guidance for advice if you do not get a satisfactory explanation.
4. As a last resort, you may seek correction through the district court.

Key takeaways

• Photograph and save meter readings and messages immediately.
• Always request a written breakdown when something is unclear.
• Seek advice from KKV or consumer guidance before legal action.

Help and support

• Finlex: Act on Residential Leases (481/1995)
• Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) – consumer advice
• Oikeus.fi – guidance and forms for disputes

1. [1] Finlex: Act on Residential Leases (481/1995)
2. [2] Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV)
3. [3] Oikeus.fi