Vuokrasopimus (Rental Agreement)

Detailed explanation

Finnish rental agreements come in two main forms: fixed-term (määräaikainen) and open-ended/indefinite (toistaiseksi voimassa oleva). A fixed-term lease has a set end date and generally cannot be terminated early by either party without mutual agreement or special circumstances. An open-ended lease continues until terminated by either party with proper notice.

The lease must specify key details: rent amount, payment schedule, security deposit amount, notice period, what is included in the rent (water, sauna, parking), and the condition of the apartment. Finnish law caps the security deposit (vuokravakuus) at a maximum of three months' rent.

Rent increases must follow the terms specified in the lease. If the lease includes an index clause, rent adjusts according to the cost-of-living index. Otherwise, the landlord must provide written notice and the increase must be reasonable. Finnish tenancy law is governed by the Act on Residential Leases (Laki asuinhuoneiston vuokrauksesta).

How it affects expats

• •Read carefully: Always read your vuokrasopimus thoroughly before signing

• •get it translated if needed

• •Fixed vs. open-ended: Understand the difference

• •a fixed-term lease locks you in for the full period

• •Notice period: For open-ended leases, the tenant's notice period is typically 1 month; the landlord's is 3–6 months

• •Security deposit: Maximum 3 months' rent

• •you should receive it back when you move out if no damage occurred

• •Condition report: Document the apartment's condition when moving in

• •take photos and note existing damage

• •Tenant rights: Finnish law strongly protects tenants

• •eviction requires valid grounds and a legal process

Key details

• •Fixed-term: Set duration, cannot usually be ended early

• •Open-ended: Continues until terminated; tenant notice period typically 1 month

• •Security deposit: Maximum 3 months' rent

• •Rent increases: Must follow lease terms; landlord must give written notice

• •Landlord notice period: 3 months (tenancy under 1 year) or 6 months (over 1 year)

• •Disputes: Handled by the Consumer Disputes Board or district court

Related terms

• •Vuokra-asunto (Rental Apartment) — renting in Finland

• •Vuokravakuus (Security Deposit) — deposit details

• •Asumistuki (Housing Allowance) — Kela housing benefit