Who Pays for Tenant Disputes in Finland
When a rental dispute arises, tenants and landlords often wonder who pays for mediation or board handling costs. This article explains practical situations in Finland: how costs are divided in voluntary mediation, the Consumer Disputes Board and the district court, and when court costs can be recovered or legal aid obtained. It also explains how to document evidence, when to apply for fee relief and which authorities can assist in the process. The text is aimed at tenants without legal background and includes clear action tips for handling disputes in Finland.
What costs can occur?
Different payments may arise in dispute resolution: mediation or handling fees, possible court fees, attorney or legal aid costs, and enforcement costs. Legislation governing residential leases can affect costs [1]. The Consumer Disputes Board is a voluntary option for consumer-related rental matters [2], while court procedures and fees are detailed on oikeus.fi [3].
Who usually pays?
- If parties agree during mediation, costs are usually agreed separately or shared.
- If a board or court issues a decision, the losing party may be ordered to cover the winner's costs in whole or in part.
- If both parties win partially, costs may be divided proportionally.
- Legal aid recipients typically pay only a deductible if legal aid is granted.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who must pay court costs?
- Generally the losing party is ordered to reimburse the winning party's court costs, but the judgment may split costs depending on the case.
- Can I get compensation for rental damages at the board?
- The Consumer Disputes Board can assess compensation claims and issue a recommendation that can be used as a basis for a claim.
- Where can I find information about legal aid eligibility?
- Information and applications for legal aid are available on oikeus.fi, which provides guidance on court costs and support options.
How-To
- Gather documents: lease, payment receipts, messages and photos of issues.
- Try to negotiate with the landlord and propose mediation before contacting authorities.
- If the matter is consumer-related, file a complaint with the Consumer Disputes Board [2].
- If seeking legal help, check legal aid conditions and submit the application according to oikeus.fi guidance [3].
- Follow the judgment and enforcement process and contact enforcement authorities if needed.
