Tenant Data Protection in Finland

As a tenant, it is important to understand how your personal data is handled in a tenancy and what rights you have regarding data protection in Finland. This article explains practical situations: what information a landlord may request, when consent is required, how to respond to data requests, and how to protect privacy for example during key handovers or notice of visits. You will also get guidance on documentation, collecting evidence, and contacting authorities if a data protection problem escalates. The page advises on preventing common mistakes and explains when to seek help and which authorities to contact.

What can a landlord request?

A landlord may request basic information for managing the tenancy, but requesting and processing is limited by law; the Act on Residential Leases and data protection principles determine permitted data use^[1].

• Name and contact details (address, phone, email).
• Personal identity number or date of birth only if justified for fulfilling the tenancy agreement.
• Rent payment history and security deposit information.
• References or landlord certificates if requested by the landlord.

Common mistakes

Many tenants make the same mistakes regarding data protection: sharing too much information, not documenting conversations, or failing to respond to written requests in time. Confusing consent with a lawful basis for processing also causes problems.

• Providing financial information without clarity on why it is needed.
• Failing to request written confirmation of verbal agreements.
• Not reviewing privacy notices or terms related to the tenancy.

How to protect personal data in practice

Create a clear documentation routine: store the tenancy agreement, rent payment receipts and all written messages. Limit the copying of personal documents and always ask for the purpose of data collection. If you suspect unlawful processing, try to resolve it with the landlord first and, if necessary, contact consumer advice or another supervisory authority^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord ask for my personal identification number?

A landlord may request an identity number only if it is clearly necessary for fulfilling the contract or a statutory obligation.

What should I do if the landlord asks for excessive information?

Request a written explanation of the data processing purpose and limit sharing until the purpose is clear.

Where can I complain about data protection?

First discuss the matter with the landlord and, if necessary, contact consumer advice or the data protection authority.

How-To

1. Collect documents: gather all tenancy-related documents and store copies securely.
2. Record communications: log and keep messages with the landlord as evidence of contract changes.
3. Request clarification: ask for a clear written explanation if the landlord requests sensitive data.
4. Contact authorities: reach out to consumer advice or an authority if you cannot agree or suspect a legal breach^[3].

Key takeaways

• Keep documents and receipts organized.
• Do not share unnecessary personal data.
• Respond to written requests promptly.

Help and Support

• Finlex: Act on Residential Leases and guidance
• KKV: Consumer advice and tenancy guidance
• Oikeus.fi: Court services and forms

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