The Rental Housing Act changes on 1 October 2026 – What does this mean for you?

The Finnish Rental Housing Act will change on 1 October 2026. The changes will apply to both new and existing leases. Below, we have collected the most important changes for our residents. You can find more information about the changes on the Ministry of Justice website.

Changes that also apply to current leases

Tenants must tell the landlord who lives in the apartment

Tenants must tell the landlord who lives in the apartment and why they are living there. The apartment can still only be used by people allowed to live there under the lease.

The notification must include the number of people living in the apartment and the reason why they are allowed to live there. For people aged 18 or older, the notification must also include their name, date of birth and contact details. You must also tell the landlord when someone moves into or out of the apartment.

You can send the information by email to asiakaspalvelu(at)ellinkodit.fi.

New rules about smoking

Smoking and using other heated tobacco products is not allowed in apartments, on balconies, or in other private indoor or outdoor areas connected to the apartments. Under the housing company’s house rules, smoking is also not allowed in common areas, including the yard and other outdoor areas. It is allowed only in a designated smoking area provided by the housing company, if there is one. If there is no designated smoking area, smoking is not allowed anywhere on the housing company’s property.

The security deposit must be returned within a certain time

The landlord must normally return the security deposit or tell you why it is being kept within 14 days after the lease ends. If the apartment is returned to the landlord later than the end of the lease, the 14-day period starts when the landlord gets the apartment back.

Other changes that apply to both current and new leases

• The landlord will have more reasons to end a lease. One new reason is another very serious reason.
• More notices and warnings related to leases can be sent electronically. You can still receive them by regular mail.

Changes that apply only to leases starting on or after 1 October 2026

Changes to the landlord's notice period

In new tenancy agreements, the landlord's notice period is three months if the tenancy has lasted less than two years, and four months if the tenancy has lasted at least two years. The tenant's one-month notice period remains unchanged.

What do you need to do?

1. Follow the new rule on the use of tobacco products and make sure that people visiting you also act in accordance with it.

2. Check that the landlord has your up-to-date contact information.

3. Provide the details of the people living in the apartment according to the instructions.

4. In unclear situations, ask for advice: asiakaspalvelu(at)ellinkodit.fi

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