Tenant Maintenance and Repairs in Finland

As a tenant in Finland, it is important to understand who is responsible for maintenance and repairs in your home. This guide explains the responsibilities of tenants and landlords in everyday situations such as water damage, heating problems and small repairs. I explain how to report defects, what documentation to collect and when to demand repairs in writing. In addition, I cover how to seek help from authorities or negotiate a rent reduction if the apartment is temporarily uninhabitable. The advice is practical and suitable for those who are not familiar with legislation. At the end there are instructions for filing complaints and contact information for authorities. I also explain when a tenant can fix a small fault themselves and whether rent withholding is allowed when living conditions are affected. You will also understand how documents and photos support claims. The guide also refers to key legislation and official services.

What maintenance means

Maintenance means actions that keep the apartment habitable: heating, plumbing, drainage and safety. Major repairs, such as structural defects and pipe replacements, are usually the landlord's responsibility, while small upkeep tasks may be the tenant's responsibility.

Landlord and tenant responsibilities

• The landlord is responsible for major repairs and structural defects (repair).
• The tenant should take care of minor maintenance and report defects promptly (maintenance).
• Both parties should document defects with photos and records (record).
• Deposits and any deductions should be clearly recorded in the lease (deposit).

If there is an immediate danger or an issue that makes the apartment uninhabitable, inform the landlord immediately and demand repairs in writing. If the landlord does not act within a reasonable time, you can seek remedy through legal channels or request guidance from authorities.^[1]

How to proceed when a repair is needed

• Notify the landlord in writing and demand repair (file).
• Collect evidence: photos, dates and any damage reports (record).
• Contact guidance services or consumer authorities if needed (contact).

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the landlord does not repair a defect?

Notify in writing, collect evidence and contact consumer advice or, if necessary, the courts. You may also seek resolution from the Consumer Disputes Board.

Can I withhold rent if the apartment is uninhabitable?

Withholding rent is not automatic; act cautiously, document the defect and seek advice from authorities before withholding rent.

Where can I find the law on tenancies?

The key law is the Act on Residential Leases (481/1995), available on the official Finlex website.^[1]

How-To

1. Report the defect in writing to the landlord and request repair (file).
2. Collect and keep evidence: photos, messages and receipts (record).
3. Contact KKV or consumer advice for guidance (contact).^[2]
4. Consider legal options if the dispute is unresolved, such as bringing the case to district court (court).^[3]

Help and Support

• Finlex: Act on Residential Leases (481/1995)
• Oikeus.fi: Court forms and guidance
• The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) - guidance

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