Dispute erupts over short-term rental rules in Rovaniemi housing company

A housing company in Rovaniemi has introduced strict regulations on short-term rentals, sparking conflict with residents who argue the rules are unreasonable and legally questionable, reports Yle.

Tero Tahko, a shareholder in the Lossitörmä housing company, has refused to comply with new short-term rental requirements, including mandatory registration at the rented property and notifying the board, property manager, and neighbours. The company has reported his apartment to Rovaniemi’s building authorities for non-compliance.

“In my opinion, these rules are completely absurd. I don’t understand why there’s such strong resistance,” Tahko said. He rents out his apartment occasionally while travelling for work and insists all shareholders should follow the same rules.

The company’s board chair, Taina Torvela, maintains the rules align with current laws and municipal guidelines. She claims similar regulations exist in other Rovaniemi housing companies, though no official registry tracks their use.

Legal experts, however, question the enforceability of such rules. Saara Penttilä, a lawyer for the Finnish Landlords Association, notes that while housing companies must uphold order and peace, they cannot impose legally binding obligations on shareholders without their consent.

Tenant interrogations alleged Tahko claims he was questioned by neighbours in the building’s stairwell about his rental activities, including pricing and guest details. “It feels like they’re prying into private matters that don’t concern them,” he said.

Torvela denies the company’s involvement in such interrogations, but a local group called Taloyhtiöiden verkosto (Housing Company Network) has encouraged residents to question short-term renters. The network, active in Rovaniemi, advocates for stricter rental controls but is not an official association.

Legal limits on rental restrictions Experts stress that housing companies cannot unilaterally impose special obligations on shareholders through internal rules alone. Penttilä warns that excessive restrictions may violate privacy and property rights.

The dispute reflects broader tensions in Rovaniemi, where short-term rentals have become a contentious issue in many housing companies ahead of spring shareholder meetings.