The typical lease term for renting property in Finland is typically one year. This type of lease is known as a fixed-term lease, meaning that the rental period is agreed upon in advance and cannot be altered without mutual agreement between the landlord and tenant. The lease may also be renewed for another fixed term or converted into a periodic lease, which automatically renews itself every month or every year, depending on the agreement.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished Properties
In Finland, both furnished and unfurnished rental properties are available. Furnished properties come with furniture, appliances, and household items included, while unfurnished properties are empty and require the tenant to provide their own furniture and appliances.
Furnished properties in Finland typically come with a bed, couch, dining table, chairs, and sometimes other furniture such as bookshelves or storage units. In addition, a furnished property usually includes appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, oven, and washing machine. Basic household items like bedding, towels, and kitchenware may also be included.
Unfurnished properties, on the other hand, do not come with any furniture or household items. Tenants are responsible for purchasing or renting their own furniture, appliances, and household items.
Lease Agreement Clauses
The standard or typical clauses in a lease agreement in Finland include the rental amount, due date, payment method, security deposit, rental period, and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant. The agreement should also include information on renewing or terminating the lease, subletting the property, and any restrictions on the use of the property.
In addition to these standard clauses, a lease agreement in Finland may also include provisions for maintenance and repairs, alterations to the property, and insurance.
Additional Clauses
There are no mandatory additional clauses in a lease agreement in Finland, but landlords and tenants may choose to include additional clauses that are specific to their needs. For example, a landlord may include a clause prohibiting smoking in the rental property, or a tenant may include a clause requiring the landlord to provide parking for their vehicle.
Expats Awareness
Expats who are signing a lease contract in Finland should be aware of the rental laws and regulations in the country, including the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. They should also be aware of the standard clauses included in a lease agreement and be familiar with the language used in the agreement.
It’s also important for expats to carefully inspect the rental property before signing the lease agreement, making note of any damages or defects and discussing them with the landlord. They should also be aware of the security deposit amount, which is typically equal to one month’s rent, and the conditions under which it may be returned.
Condition Reports
Condition reports are not common in Finland before signing a lease agreement, but they can be beneficial in protecting the rights of both the landlord and tenant. A condition report is a document that outlines the condition of the rental property and includes any damages or defects that exist at the start of the rental period. This can help avoid disputes between the landlord and tenant at the end of the lease, as it provides a clear record of the condition of the property.
Letting Agent Qualifications
Letting agents in Finland are not required to possess any specific qualifications or licenses to operate, but many agents choose to become members of professional organizations, such as the Finnish Association of Real Estate Agents, which promotes ethical standards and provides training and support for its members.
Association or Organisation
The Finnish Association of Real Estate Agents (FARE) is the main professional
