Entrepreneur faces Airbnb listing suspension in Tampere following complaint

Maiju Saukkola, an entrepreneur from Tampere, began renting out her properties on Airbnb four years ago, but her listings were recently suspended following a complaint to the city’s building control department. “Who will be the next victim?” she questions, highlighting her concern over the implications for individual hosts.

The complaint alleged that Saukkola utilized two residential apartments for continuous short-term rentals, violating local regulations that limit such rentals to a maximum of ten times per year. Continuous weekend bookings are no longer permitted per these guidelines, which have been tightened since 2022. Despite this, the city has also encouraged short-term rentals during events or peak seasons due to rising hotel prices and accommodation shortages.

Tampere’s chief of licensing, Juhani Fried, indicated that the city receives complaints intermittently, and while a single complaint could hinder a private operator, it is less likely to affect larger companies with multiple properties. Currently, there are an estimated 700 to 800 Airbnb listings in Tampere, with Saukkola reporting she has identified up to one thousand in the area.

Saukkola, who is also launching a professional organizing business, relied on Airbnb primarily to cover her living expenses. She had aimed to ensure a harmonious environment for her neighbors by carefully selecting her guests, such as temporary workers or students. With her Airbnb activities halted, she plans to shift her properties to long-term rentals, acknowledging that both short-term and long-term rentals pose potential challenges, such as issues with tenants or property damages.