Tenant guide: broken window in Finland
A broken window raises questions about responsibility, repairs and costs. This guide explains clearly what a tenant in Finland should do immediately after a window breaks: how to notify the landlord, document damage, assess repair responsibility and seek compensation or repair. I cover when the landlord is responsible for repairs and when the tenant may be liable for damage, plus practical steps to resolve disputes. The guide is based on residential lease legislation and official guidance, and includes clear instructions for arranging repairs and contacting the right authorities. The guidance emphasizes documentation: take photos, keep receipts and record dates. Make temporary protections if weather or safety requires. If damage results from neglected maintenance, the landlord usually pays; if damage is caused intentionally or negligently by the tenant, the tenant may be liable. Read the law and your lease terms for details.[1] If needed, seek advice from authorities or consumer advice services.[2]
Immediate steps
Act quickly but carefully to minimise further damage and ensure responsibility can be assessed clearly.
- Notify the landlord in writing and describe the situation precisely.
- Document the damage with photos or video immediately and keep all receipts.
- Make temporary repairs or protections for safety reasons.
- Record dates, conversations and any witnesses in writing.
Who pays for the repair?
In Finland, landlords are generally responsible for the maintenance and significant repairs of the dwelling, but tenants can be liable for damage caused by their negligence or deliberate acts. If the window breaks due to normal wear or a structural defect, the landlord usually covers the repair. If the damage is caused by careless use or a guest, the tenant may be asked to compensate.
FAQ
- Who pays for a broken window repair?
- If the window broke due to normal wear or a structural defect, the landlord pays. If the damage was caused by the tenant, the tenant may need to pay.
- Can I make the repair myself and deduct the cost from the rent?
- Before making repairs yourself and deducting costs from rent, discuss with the landlord and obtain written permission; otherwise the action can lead to disputes.
- How do I prove I did not cause the damage?
- Collect photos, keep receipts and, if possible, get witness statements; documentation helps resolve responsibility questions.
How-To
- Notify the landlord in writing and attach photos of the damage.
- Document the damage in detail, keep receipts and backup copies of photos.
- Arrange a temporary repair for weather or safety concerns and keep cost estimates.
- If a dispute remains unresolved, submit a written complaint and, if necessary, bring the case to the consumer disputes board or district court.
Key takeaways
- Always document damage with photos and obtain written confirmations.
- Notify the landlord promptly and respect deadlines.
- Keep copies of all costs and communications for disputes.
Help and support
- Finlex – Act on Residential Leases (481/1995)
- Oikeus.fi – Court services and forms
- Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) – Consumer advice
