Tenant rights and responsibilities

When moving into a rental apartment, it’s important to be aware that as a tenant, you have rights but also some responsibilities. These rights and responsibilities are outlined in the law governing the rental of residential apartments, which is also worth reviewing from a tenant’s perspective. Violating some of these responsibilities can lead to liability for damages or, in the worst case, the termination of the lease agreement. Therefore, they are worth familiarizing yourself with.

We have compiled the most essential points about tenant rights and responsibilities on this page, so this is a good place to start!

Did you know that as a tenant, you have the right to…

… peace and quiet at home? No one can enter your apartment without notice. Maintenance work is only carried out at your request or with proper advance notice from the landlord.

… apartment maintenance? The landlord is responsible for the upkeep and repairs of the apartment.

… temporarily assign the apartment to someone else? You can do this for up to 24 months if you need to stay in another location for studies, work, illness, or a similar reason.

… terminate the lease without a special reason? However, termination usually follows a statutory one-calendar-month notice period and must always be done in writing. A fixed-term lease CANNOT be terminated.

… a rent reduction or exemption if the apartment cannot be used or is not in the agreed or legally required condition?

However, tenants also have certain responsibilities, such as…

… paying the rent on time.

… keeping the apartment clean and in good condition.

… promptly notifying the landlord of any defects or issues in the apartment.

… considering the neighbors and adhering to the community rules.

… obtaining permission from the landlord for any alterations or repairs in the apartment.

… leaving the apartment in clean condition and returning all keys upon moving out.

Other important things to remember when signing a lease:

There is a law governing responsible renting of residential apartments

As a landlord, Soihtu adheres to the Residential Leases Act (1995/481) and the Fair Rental Practices (2018), and we recommend that tenants also familiarize themselves with these.

The Residential Leases Act outlines matters such as notice periods and issues related to apartment maintenance. Good Rental Practices, on the other hand, provide guidance for situations not clearly addressed by the law.

In ARA apartments (Kortepohja Student Village), tenant democracy is governed by the Act on Joint Management.

More News

Neighbours became friends 

, , , / 3.12.2024

Text: Anna-Leena Kauppila | Pictures: Tiitu Design When Matti Heikkilä was accepted to the University of Jyväskylä in 2018, the admission letter mentioned organizing housing. Matti is from Turku and didn’t know anyone from Jyväskylä. When...

Rent increases in March 1,5 – 2,5 %

, , , , / 3.12.2024

Verifying the budget of the housing locations of Soihtu for the year 2025, the representatives of the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä and the board of Soihtu business unit have agreed on the rent charged in Student Village and Soihtu...

The U-building brings homes and services to the Student Village  

/ 29.11.2024

Text: Anni Pajari | Pictures: Tiitu Design A new apartment building is currently under construction along Kartanonkuja, in the heart of the Student Village, for students and student families. Once completed, the U-building will serve not only its...