Eight essential tips for students searching for their first rental apartments
Searching for rental apartments is at its peak right now as new students look for their first homes. Here are eight important things to consider when making a rental agreement.
1. Check that the agreement includes promised items – If you have verbally agreed on things such as water charges or a laundry room, make sure these are included in the rental agreement. There have been cases where a water charge suddenly appears in the contract, even though the initial advertisement stated there would be none. If there is a prepaid water charge, also request to record the reconciliation bill and its due date.
2. Don’t sign if you don’t understand – Make sure you understand everything in the rental agreement. If something is unclear, ask the landlord for clarification. The size of water charges or other spaces included in the apartment may be unclearly expressed.
3. Check the duration of your commitment – Rental relationships can be of two types: one that can be terminated at any time, and another that has a defined earliest termination date. A freely terminable contract is better for the tenant who can give up the apartment if they stop studying or want to change location.
4. Check the rental deposit and set up a separate account for it – The rental deposit can be up to three months’ rent, with two months’ rent being the most common. It is advisable to set up an account for the rental deposit in the tenant’s name, with the condition that the account is used jointly by the landlord and the tenant.
5. Ensure rent increases are defined in the contract – Rent increases must be agreed upon when making the rental agreement, and the basis for increases must be specified. If the increase is index-based, it is good to name which month’s index number is used in the contract.
6. Request a condition inspection as an attachment – It is advisable to request a condition inspection of the apartment to be attached to the rental agreement. The tenant is only responsible for the traces or damages that occur during their occupancy, so any existing wear and tear should definitely be listed in advance.
7. If heating is not mentioned, it is included in the rent – If heating is not separately mentioned, it is included in the rent. In apartment buildings, heating is almost always included in the rent. However, in a wooden or detached house, there may be electric heating, which can lead to high costs.
8. Can I bring a pet? – If pets are not specifically prohibited, they are allowed. The most common prohibited thing is smoking.
In conclusion, securing a rental apartment in Finland, especially during peak times like the start of the academic year, requires careful attention to detail. Ensuring that all verbal agreements are documented, understanding the terms of the contract, checking for hidden costs, and clarifying the duration of your stay are critical steps. Additionally, setting up a separate account for the rental deposit, defining rent increase conditions, requesting a condition inspection, and understanding heating costs can save tenants from future disputes. Lastly, knowing the rules about pets can help avoid any misunderstandings. By following these guidelines, new tenants in Finland can navigate the rental market with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.