Tenant's Guide: Water, Electricity, Heating in Finland

Many tenants in Finland may wonder how water, electricity and heating billing works and what rights they have regarding meters, consumption and charges. In this article I explain clearly how meters are installed and read, how billing and apportionment can be divided between rent and services, and when a landlord may charge costs. I also explain how to proceed in disputes, which documents to collect and which authorities or boards to contact in Finland. We provide practical instructions for resolving billing disagreements, requesting itemized statements, and, if necessary, taking action with a written notice or complaint.

How billing normally works

Billing is usually agreed in the lease: someone may pay all utilities together with the rent or residents pay based on their own meter readings. As a tenant, check the lease clauses about water, electricity and heating costs. If a charge is based on meters, the meter readings and the bill breakdown are key evidence.

Common situations

• A landlord can charge costs only within the agreement and the law.
• If a bill seems wrong, collect evidence: photos of meters, past bills and the lease.
• The landlord is typically responsible for fixing defects or failures (e.g., lack of heating).

Meters and consumption

Meters can be apartment-specific or shared. Apartment-specific meters make allocation clearer, while shared measurement often requires apportionment and breakdown. Tenants have the right to request the bill breakdown and clarification of the readings.

• Request a written breakdown if the bill looks unusual.
• Respond to a bill within a reasonable time; contacting the landlord promptly reduces risk.
• Contact the landlord or property manager first and ask for clarification.

If you cannot pay or disagree

If you cannot pay a bill or disagree with its basis, notify the landlord in writing. Keep correspondence and, if needed, send an official notice or request correction.

FAQ

Can a landlord charge all water fees in addition to the rent?

It depends on the lease and whether consumption is measured separately; check the agreement and request breakdown if needed.^[1]

What to do if a bill shows an incorrect meter reading?

Contact the landlord, photograph the meter and request correction or bill adjustment. If unresolved, consider complaining to consumer authorities.^[2]

Where can I find instructions for taking a dispute to court?

Guidance on legal procedures and enforcement is available on the courts' website; small disputes can be brought to district court.

How to

1. Record meter readings and keep bills and photos as evidence.
2. Contact the landlord in writing and request breakdown or correction.
3. Negotiate a payment plan if you have reduced ability to pay.
4. If you do not receive correction, take the matter to consumer authorities or district court.

Help and Support

• Finlex: Legislation and housing lease provisions
• KKV - Consumer guidance and dispute resolution
• Oikeus.fi - Court procedures and enforcement information

1. [1] Finlex - Act on Residential Leases (481/1995)
2. [2] KKV - Consumer guidance and dispute resolution
3. [3] Oikeus.fi - Courts and enforcement information