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An inspection connected with moving into and out of an apartment helps a tenant show the condition of the home at the beginning and end of the tenancy. A careful checklist reduces disagreements with the landlord about returning the deposit, responsibility for repairs, or ordinary wear and tear. In Finland, a tenant should inspect every room, appliance, surface, lock, and building system as soon as the move takes place. Take photographs, record observations with dates, and send the list to the landlord in writing. At move-out, carry out a similar inspection, clean as agreed, return the keys, and keep evidence. This guide helps you prepare for an ordinary move and for situations involving repairs, demands, or disagreements connected with the tenancy.

Inspection before moving in

Carry out the first inspection before bringing in your belongings or as soon as possible after receiving the keys. Compare the apartment with the lease, any condition report, and information provided by the landlord. Also record deficiencies that do not prevent living in the home but could later appear to be damage caused by you.

• Check doors, windows, locks, the balcony, and arrangements related to privacy.
• Test heating, taps, drains, ventilation, electrical outlets, and appliances.
• Record scratches, stains, holes, moisture marks, suspected mould, and other visible deficiencies.
• Record meter readings and check what is included in the rent, deposit, and possible charges.
• Take dated photographs and keep the originals with the rest of your moving records.

Record observations and report defects

Report defects you discover without undue delay. Even a short written message can be important evidence that a defect existed before it was connected with your conduct. Describe the defect, its location, the date it was noticed, and any effect on living in the home. If an urgent repair is needed, use the emergency number stated in the lease and confirm the call by message.

A tenant must generally care for the apartment carefully, but the landlord is normally responsible for the proper condition of the home and necessary repairs. Responsibility depends on the defect, the agreement, and the circumstances. Do not arrange a substantial repair at your own expense without a clear agreement about who will pay for the work.

Inspection before moving out

Begin preparing for move-out well in advance and compare the current condition of the apartment with the records made when you moved in. The lease may contain instructions about cleaning, filling wall holes, or caring for outdoor areas, but the terms do not automatically transfer the landlord’s statutory repair responsibilities to the tenant.

• Compare every room with the original photographs and inspection records.
• Report non-working appliances, leaks, and other repair needs before returning the keys.
• Pay agreed rent and other charges, but ask for an itemisation of every deduction from the deposit.
• Empty the apartment, remove your belongings, and return all keys at the agreed time.
• Take final photographs of the cleaned apartment and keep a receipt or other proof of the return.

Deposit, deductions, and disagreements

If the landlord says that costs will be deducted from the deposit, ask for a written itemisation, invoices, or other reasons. Compare the claim with photographs, the inspection list, messages, and the lease. Do not automatically accept a deduction you do not understand, but respond calmly and keep all communication.

First try to resolve the matter by negotiation. If no settlement is reached, a dispute between a consumer and a business can in certain situations be taken to the Consumer Disputes Board. A court can decide a civil dispute, and enforcement of a final decision can be sought through enforcement authorities when necessary. Read current instructions from official sources.^[1][2][3]

Frequently asked questions

Can a landlord charge for all defects in an apartment?

Usually not, because ordinary wear and damage caused by a tenant are different matters, and responsibility is assessed according to the circumstances.

What should I do if the landlord does not respond to a defect I reported?

Send a written reminder, keep the messages, and document the effects of the defect so that you can show that you reported it in time.

When can I ask for the deposit to be returned?

Ask for its return after the lease has ended and the keys have been returned, unless the agreement specifies another time, and ask for an itemisation of any deductions.

How to proceed

1. Inspect the apartment when moving in and record deficiencies immediately.
2. Take dated photographs and keep all inspection documents.
3. Report defects in writing and agree on action for urgent matters.
4. Inspect before moving out, clean as agreed, and return the keys with proof.
5. Ask for a written itemisation of deposit deductions and first try to resolve the dispute by negotiation.

Help and official resources

• Consumer Advisory Services guidance on rental matters
• Oikeus.fi guidance on civil disputes and courts
• Current legislation on Finlex

1. [1] Finlex, Act on Residential Leases (481/1995)
2. [2] KKV, guidance on rental housing and consumer disputes
3. [3] Oikeus.fi, guidance on handling civil disputes