Moderate Rent Increases Expected in March – Changes Also to Utility Fees

Housing, News / 11.12.2025

The Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY) Representative Council and Soihtu’s Business Management Board have approved the 2026 budgets, which include an average rent increase of 1.9% per month for Soihtu’s residential properties. The increases will take effect on March 1, 2026. The main reasons for the increase are the general rise in maintenance costs and growing loan repayment obligations.

Soihtu residents will receive a rent increase notice and a new rent invoice by email during December. Please note that the rent increase will only take effect in March 2026. When paying rent, use the reference number shown on the invoice to ensure the payment is recorded correctly. The reference number will not change due to the rent increase.

Changes to Water Charges

Starting March 1, 2026, in properties with apartment-specific water billing, the water advance payment will be raised to better reflect actual consumption. The new water advance will be 20 euros per person per month. Actual consumption will still be reconciled every four (4) months based on the resident(s)’ real water usage. The water charge increase also applies to studio apartments with more than one occupant, even if apartment-specific water billing is not in use.

Changes to Utility Fees

Utility costs will also be adjusted based on review. The monthly fee for sauna reservations will increase, and the new price from March 2026 onwards will be 11 euros per reservation per month.

Monthly parking fees will be increased as follows:

• Student Village cold parking space: 12 € /month
• Student Village heated parking space: 15 € /month
• Student Village covered cold parking space: 17 € /month
• Student Village covered heated parking space: 24 € /month
• Student Village electric car parking space: 34 € /month
• Vehkakuja heated parking space: 15 € /month
• Vehkakuja covered heated parking space: 24 € /month