Pet owners face challenges in rental market in Finland

Pet owners seeking rental apartments in Finland often encounter strict pet bans in lease agreements. According to Saara Penttilä, a lawyer at the Finnish Landlords’ Association, allowing pets in rental contracts can facilitate finding suitable tenants. During a recent interview on Radio Finland, she stated that pets should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat in rental relationships.

Penttilä noted that a more flexible approach to pets could lead to longer rental agreements, providing landlords with a steadier income stream. “If someone finds a suitable home for both themselves and their pet, they are less likely to move out quickly,” she explained.

Concerns among landlords frequently revolve around the potential for a tenant’s pet to cause damage to the property or create unpleasant odors. The Finnish Landlords’ Association receives weekly inquiries about pets in rental apartments, most of which are related to proactive measures, such as obtaining insurance.

Penttilä emphasized that situations where pets have caused significant damage to properties are quite rare. “Indeed, cases in which a pet has completely destroyed an apartment are uncommon,” she remarked. The insights from Penttilä suggest that accommodating pet owners may not only enhance tenant retention but can also contribute positively to the rental market dynamics in Finland.