Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

How do exchange students apply for an apartment?
Exchange students have their own application process and timeline.
👉 Exchange student housing

How do I apply for an apartment?
Fill out the online application in the PSOAS application system anytime.
👉 Housing Application

Can I apply even if I don’t have a study place yet?
Yes, you can. To receive an apartment, you’ll need to confirm your student status according to PSOAS rules.
👉 Tenant Selection Criteria

Can I apply if I study outside Oulu?
PSOAS housing is mainly for students in Oulu. You can still apply, but eligibility follows PSOAS criteria.
👉 Tenant Selection Criteria

How long does it take to get an apartment?
It varies a lot depending on the apartment type, location and season. Unfortunately, we can’t give exact waiting times.
👉 Applying for housing

Can I see my position in the queue?
PSOAS doesn’t give exact queue positions because many factors affect allocation. Applications are processed in the order they arrive.
👉 Applying for housing

How are apartments allocated?
Apartments are offered based on PSOAS selection criteria and the availability of units.
👉 Tenant Selection Criteria

When will I get my key?
You’ll usually get your key on the starting date of your tenancy or the next working day. You’ll receive the exact pick-up time and place with your tenancy agreement or in separate instructions.
👉 More info: Key pick-up

Where do I pick up my key?
The pick-up place depends on your housing location. Southern area residents pick up keys from PSOAS Studio and northern area residents from PSOAS Lounge. You’ll receive detailed instructions before moving in.
👉 Instructions: Key pick-up

My key doesn’t work – what should I do?
In some locations, you can update the key yourself using the instructions you received. Otherwise, contact the housing office. If you need to get in right away outside office hours, call the property maintenance on-call service.
👉 Property maintenance on-call (24/7)
👉 Updating iLOQ Keys

What should I do on my moving-in day?
Pick up your keys, check the condition of your apartment and report any issues right away.
👉 Moving-in checklist

Where are PSOAS apartments located, what types are available and how much do they cost?
PSOAS apartments are located across Oulu, offering different types and rent levels.
👉 See apartments and prices

How much is the rent?
Rent depends on the apartment type and location.
👉 Apartments

How and when do I pay rent?
Rent is due on the 5th of each month and paid to the PSOAS bank account. Payment details are sent once you accept an offer.
👉 Rent payment guide

When is the deposit returned?
The deposit is returned within one month after your tenancy ends, once the inspection is done and everything is in order.
👉 Deposit info

Can I sublet my apartment?
Yes, but only with PSOAS approval and under certain conditions.
👉 Subletting instructions

Can I add my partner to the agreement?
It is possible to add your spouse’s details to the lease agreement. We have two options available:
Option 1: We’ll update the register and prepare a new lease agreement for manual signing, with your spouse listed as a main tenant. This option includes a 50 € administrative fee.
Option 2: Your spouse can be added as a subtenant rather than a main tenant. We can update this information in our register without requiring a new contract or additional fees.

Our housing office is happy to help you with adding your partner to the agreement.
👉 Contact the housing office
👉 Subleasing

Who takes care of cleaning?
You clean your own apartment. PSOAS cleans the shared spaces.
👉 Cleaning guide

What if something breaks?
If there’s an issue or something needs fixing in your apartment, the quickest way to get help is to submit an electronic fault report through OmaPSOAS. It’s the fastest way.

In PSOAS apartments, maintenance responsibilities are shared between the landlord and the tenant. Before submitting a report, it’s a good idea to check our responsibility chart to see what falls under you and what falls under PSOAS.

Urgent cases (like water leaks) should be reported to property supervisor or property maintenance on-call (outside office hours).
👉 Responsibility chart
👉 Electronic fault report

How do I terminate my tenancy?
Terminate your agreement electronically in OmaPSOAS.
👉 Termination instructions

What do I need to do before moving out?
Clean the apartment thoroughly and return all keys as instructed.
👉 Moving-out checklist

How do I return the keys?
Keys are returned based on your location: southern area keys to PSOAS Studio and northern area keys to PSOAS Lounge. Keys must be returned by noon on the next working day after the tenancy ends.
👉 Key return instructions

When is the housing office open?
The housing offices are open on weekdays from 10 to 15.
👉 Contact info

How do I make a fault report?
Submit it electronically in the PSOAS system. For urgent issues, call the property maintenance on-call.
👉 Electronic fault report

Is there 24/7 property maintenance on-call?
Yes! The on-duty janitor handles urgent maintenance issues and provides door opening service outside of regular office hours.
Välkkylä maintenance, tel. 010 590 2000
Other areas’ maintenance, tel. 010 5833 000
👉 Contact information