Share
The Act on Residential Leases (AHVL) will be amended as of 1 October 2026. Some of the changes will also apply to existing tenancy agreements. Below is a summary of the most significant amendments and their practical implications.
1. New Obligation to Provide Resident Information
Following the legislative amendment, tenants will be required to provide information to the landlord about the persons living in the apartment. For lease agreements managed by INNA, notifications must be submitted through OmaINNA following the legislative change. Detailed instructions will be communicated to tenants during October.
The information to be provided includes the basis for occupancy for all residents and, for adult residents, their name, date of birth, and contact details. Any changes to these details must also be reported to the landlord without delay.
2. Electronic Communication Option
Under the new legislation, tenants will have the option to choose electronic communication as their preferred method of receiving tenancy-related notifications.
If selected, ordinary tenancy-related notices will be delivered by email. For notifications that require proof of delivery, a text message will also be sent to inform the tenant when the notice is available. Tenants will be able to make this selection through OmaINNA after the legislative changes take effect.
3. Smoking Prohibited in Apartments and Private Outdoor Areas
From 1 October 2026 onwards, smoking will no longer be permitted inside apartments, on balconies, terraces, private yards, or in any other private areas associated with the apartment. The ban also applies to electronic cigarettes and other combustible products used as alternatives to tobacco products.
The smoking ban will apply to all tenancy agreements regardless of whether it is specifically mentioned in the lease agreement. Violations may result in termination of the tenancy agreement or, in serious cases, cancellation of the agreement.
4. Landlord’s Right of Access to the Apartment
The landlord or an authorised representative, such as a property manager, leasing representative, or maintenance company, has the right to enter the apartment for purposes such as inspections, repairs, or apartment viewings.
Efforts will always be made to arrange visits in advance at a time that is convenient for the resident. If the resident does not respond to contact attempts within a reasonable timeframe, the visit may take place after a separate notification has been provided.
In emergency situations, such as water damage or fire, entry may take place immediately without prior notice.
If no specific appointment has been agreed upon, information about the visit, its purpose, and contact details for further inquiries will be left in the apartment. In practice, this amendment largely codifies an existing operating procedure into legislation.
5. Handling Property Left Behind in the Apartment
When a tenancy ends, the apartment and any related premises, such as storage units, must be completely emptied. Items without value and waste may be removed immediately, and the tenant will be responsible for any costs arising from the storage or disposal of property left behind.
If belongings remain in the apartment, the landlord will notify the tenant in writing. If the property is not collected within one month of receiving the notice, or within four months of vacating the apartment when the notice cannot be delivered, ownership of the property will transfer to the landlord.
6. Time Limits for Returning the Security Deposit
Where a security deposit has been provided, the landlord must return the deposit or notify the tenant in writing of any retention within 14 days of the end of the tenancy or the handover of possession.
If deductions are made from the deposit, the notice will state the basis for the deduction.
7. New Grounds for Terminating a Tenancy Agreement
The law introduces a new basis for terminating a tenancy agreement due to exceptionally serious reasons, even where none of the existing individual grounds for termination would independently justify cancellation.
Such circumstances may arise from a combination of multiple breaches, repeated neglect of obligations, or serious violations of the smoking ban or resident information requirements.
Minor breaches alone do not constitute grounds for termination, and tenants must generally be given a written warning before termination is considered.
8. Termination of a Tenancy Following the Tenant’s Death
If a sole tenant passes away, the tenancy agreement will automatically end two months after the end of the calendar month during which the landlord became aware of the death. However, the tenancy may continue if the estate of the deceased notifies the landlord that it wishes to continue the tenancy.
Notice of the termination will be provided to the estate or one of its beneficiaries. If no contact person can be reached, the notice will be left in the apartment.
The law also clarifies the handling of property left behind by a deceased tenant. After the tenancy ends, the landlord may move the property into storage and safeguard it until it is collected by the estate or another entitled party. Valueless items and waste may be disposed of without delay.
9. Other Legislative Changes
The legislation also includes additional amendments. Further information is available on the Ministry of Justice website: https://oikeusministerio.fi/huoneenvuokralait-uudistuvat
If you have any questions regarding these legislative changes or your tenancy agreement, please contact our customer service team. Contact details can be found here.
