The Act on Residential Leases Is Being Updated – What Will Change?

The Finnish Act on Residential Leases will be amended on 1 October 2026. The reform introduces clearer rules for rental housing, including electronic communications, reporting apartment occupants, smoking, security deposit refunds, and move-out dates. Some changes will apply immediately to existing tenancy agreements, while others will only affect new agreements.

Here are the most important points for student tenants.

1. Smoking Will Generally Be Prohibited

From 1 October 2026, smoking will be prohibited inside rental apartments and on balconies or other outdoor areas reserved for the tenant’s private use, unless smoking is expressly permitted in the tenancy agreement.

This new default rule also applies to tenancy agreements signed before 1 October 2026.

At PSOAS properties, smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor smoking areas.

2. Let Us Know Who Lives in the Apartment

From 1 October 2026, tenants are required to report to the landlord about the people living in the rental apartment. This ensures that the landlord has the necessary information for property management, maintenance, and communication.

The tenant must provide written information on:

• The number of people living in the apartment
• The basis for their right to live there

For each adult living in the apartment, the tenant must also provide:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Contact details

This reporting obligation also applies to subtenants and other occupants.

If the people living in the apartment change, you must notify PSOAS.

3. Tenancy-Related Notices

The reform makes it possible to deliver tenancy-related notices and official communications electronically in the future. These may include notices related to termination of the tenancy or other matters that are significant to the tenancy agreement.

Electronic delivery requires the tenant’s separate consent. Providing consent is voluntary, meaning you may continue to receive notices in paper form if you prefer. If electronic delivery is introduced, legally verifiable notices will be sent together with a separate alert message through another communication channel.

PSOAS will not introduce the new electronic notification method at this stage. Official tenancy-related communication will continue according to current practices.

If these practices change in the future, we will inform tenants separately and, if necessary, request the consent required by law for electronic delivery of notices.

4. A Time Limit Will Apply to Security Deposit Refunds

After the tenancy ends, the security deposit must generally be refunded within 14 days.

If any part of the deposit is withheld, the tenant must be informed within the same period of the amount being withheld and the reason for the deduction. In this case, the refund may take place at a later date. Deductions may be made, for example, to cover unpaid charges or damage that is the tenant’s responsibility.

Make sure PSOAS has your current bank account number and contact details when moving out. If the information is not provided in time, the processing of the security deposit can be delayed.

5. The Default Move-Out Rule Will Change

For tenancy agreements signed on or after 1 October 2026, the default move-out date is the same as the end date of the tenancy agreement. However, the parties may agree on a different move-out date.

On the move-out date, the apartment must be vacated, cleaned, and the keys returned according to the given instructions.

For new tenancy agreements, PSOAS will continue to use the move-out date specified in the agreement. Please check your move-out date well in advance and follow the move-out instructions provided.

6. The Landlord’s Notice Period Will Be Shorter in New Agreements

Under the new legislation, the landlord’s notice period for terminating an open-ended tenancy agreement will be shortened. This change does not apply to agreements signed before 1 October 2026 unless otherwise agreed.

For tenancy agreements signed on or after 1 October 2026:

• If the tenancy has lasted at least two years, the landlord’s notice period is four months.
• In all other cases, the notice period is three months.

Other Changes

• Notice of Changes to Rent and Service Charges. Rent increases must be communicated in writing at least 1 month before the start of the new rental payment period. The notice must state the new rent amount and the date it takes effect. Some of the notice periods introduced by the new legislation do not apply to tenancy agreements signed before 1 October 2026.
• Record of Apartment Visits. Non-urgent apartment visits will also in the future be aimed to arrange with the tenant. If a suitable time cannot be agreed upon due to reasons attributable to the tenant, the visit may take place at a pre-notified time. If the apartment is visited at a time that has not been agreed in advance or while the tenant is absent, a notice of the visit will be left in the apartment.
  PSOAS apartments are inspected when a tenant move out. Move-out inspections are conducted using a master key without prior notice unless the tenant has arranged an inspection time in advance with the maintenance staff.
• Clearer Procedures for Property Left Behind. The new legislation clarifies the procedures concerning belongings left in an apartment after a tenancy ends. When moving out, remember to take all your belongings with you and return your keys according to PSOAS instructions.

What Do You Need to Do?

1. Make sure your current contact details are correct in OmaPSOAS.
2. Provide written information about the people living in your apartment by sending an email to the housing office.
3. Check your tenancy agreement, especially the terms relating to smoking, notice periods, and the move-out date.
4. If you’re unsure about anything, contact PSOAS for guidance.