Tenant Mandatory Notices in Finland

Maintenance & repair duties 2 min read · published September 11, 2025

As a tenant you may need to submit official notices, correction requests or appeals, for example when the dwelling does not meet habitability standards or disputes arise in the tenancy. This text helps you understand when a notice is mandatory, which forms to use and how to document the case correctly in Finland. I also describe clear action steps for drafting and sending a correction or appeal and how to track the response. The goal is to provide practical advice so you can act on time and protect your rights without legal expertise.

What do mandatory notices mean?

Mandatory notices mean situations where the tenant or landlord must notify authorities, the other party or other bodies about changes or claims. Common topics include rent increases, repair requests, correction requests to decisions and appeals against administrative decisions. Often there is a deadline or a specific form, and legal rights are found in the Act on Residential Leases.[1]

Keep all messages and receipts stored as evidence.

How to prepare before sending a notice

Before sending a notice: check the lease, note dates, take photos of damages and write a chronological account of events. If it is a repair request, describe precisely what is wrong and how it affects living conditions. Document all contacts by email or recorded messages and keep receipts or invoices.

Respond to official messages quickly, because deadlines may be short.

Key documents

  • Recorded contacts and message chains are the most important evidence.
  • Copies of forms or correction requests when required.
  • Photos and expert statements about damages, if needed.

If you are unsure which form to use or which authority to send it to, you can check official instructions and sample forms.[2]

When you receive no response or a negative decision

If there is no reply within the deadline or the decision is negative, you can file a correction request or an appeal. A correction request is often used for administrative decisions, while an appeal may be taken to court or another competent body depending on the situation. Before appealing, assess whether your evidence is sufficient and consider possible cost risks.

Well-organized materials speed up processing and improve the chances of a fair outcome.

FAQ

What is the difference between a correction request and an appeal?
A correction request is usually addressed to the authority that made the decision, while an appeal is taken to a court or other competent body.
When is a notice mandatory?
A notice is mandatory in situations such as notifying a rent increase, making repair requests and meeting deadlines; exact cases depend on law and the agreement.
Where do I find the correct forms and guidance?
Official forms and guidance are available on court and KKV websites and in the Finlex legislation database.[2]

How-To

  1. Check deadlines and grounds carefully before taking action.
  2. Collect all evidence: photos, messages and receipts.
  3. Fill the required form or draft a correction request clearly and attach documents.
  4. Send the notice through the recommended channel and monitor the response; appeal if necessary.

Help and Support


  1. [1] Finlex: Act on Residential Leases (481/1995)
  2. [2] Oikeus.fi: Court and legal service instructions
  3. [3] KKV: Consumer and competition authority guidance
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Finland

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.