Tenant's Guide: Disputing a Wrong Bill in Finland
When you receive a wrong bill, as a tenant it is important to act quickly and methodically. In Finland[1] disputes about billing in tenancies, such as the share for water, electricity or heating, are often resolved through documents and meter readings. First check the lease and the invoice breakdown, note current meter readings and keep receipts or messages. Send a written complaint to the landlord describing the error and requesting correction or compensation. If negotiation fails, you can seek help from consumer advice, the Consumer Disputes Board[2] or, if necessary, take the matter to district court[3]. This article also explains how to keep emails, photograph damage, what meter data to record and how to schedule actions to resolve the dispute.
How to act
Start clearly: gather all documents related to the invoice, meter readings and messages. Check what the contract says about responsibility for energy and water. A written approach is often the most effective: send a clear complaint and request a correction or refund.
- Record current and past meter readings with dates.
- Keep receipts, emails and text messages related to consumption or payments.
- Take photos of visible damage or meter displays as evidence.
- Send a written complaint to the landlord and request a written response.
- Keep a timeline: note the date you sent the complaint and the response deadline.
Keep your evidence organized; it helps in disputes.
Your rights and claims
Tenant rights are based on the lease and legislation; detailed rules are found in the Act on Residential Leases.[1] If an invoice is calculated contrary to the agreement or incorrectly, the tenant has the right to request correction and possibly reimbursement.
Always respond to notices and follow set deadlines so you do not lose rights.
Written complaint — sample content
The complaint should include a brief description of the issue, reference to the invoice and requests for correction or compensation, and attachments of evidence.
- Title: "Complaint about invoice" and invoice details (date, amount, breakdown).
- Description of the error and a request to correct the situation within a reasonable time.
- Attach meter readings, photos and receipts as proof.
- Provide your contact information and propose a remedy such as reimbursement or recalculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do first if a bill looks wrong?
- Check meter readings and compare with previous bills, document the discrepancy and send a written complaint to the landlord.
- Can a landlord charge for water without a separate agreement?
- Normally payment terms are defined in the lease; in unclear cases review the contract and seek consumer advice.
- Where can I bring the dispute if negotiation fails?
- You can seek resolution from the Consumer Disputes Board or bring the matter to district court depending on the severity.
How-To
- Check the lease and meter readings and log current meter values.
- Gather evidence: receipts, photos and messages with the landlord.
- Send a clear written complaint and request a written response within a deadline.
- If no adequate response, contact consumer advice or the national authority.
- As a last resort, bring the case to the Consumer Disputes Board or prepare for court proceedings.
Clear documentation and scheduling make dispute resolution easier.
Key takeaways
- Collect all evidence immediately, such as meter readings and receipts.
- Send a written complaint and keep copies of communications.
- Seek official help before pursuing legal action.
Help and support
- [1] Finlex: Act on Residential Leases (481/1995)
- [2] Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV)
- [3] Oikeus.fi: Guidance and services
