and wish to rent out an apartment in a block of flats? First, decide the parameters. How many rooms, how much are you able to pay for rent? Then, go online and contact a person or an agent. There are a number of companies and entities to assist you, and it is worth asking your employer as well. Also, the City of Helsinki has rental homes on offer; look for "Stadin asunnot".
House hunting in Helsinki
Available are privately rented ones and those by municipalities. Finding a privately rented flat in Helsinki takes less time than a municipal one. But, be prepared to pay more. The easiest way is simply to go online or look at the ads in newspapers. Or even publish your own ad. And there are agencies to help you, but then you need to pay a commission. When you feel like you've found one suitable for you, contact the landlord and ask to see the place or go to a public showing. There you will be given an application form which you should complete.
Rental conditions in Helsinki
In case you are using an agent, make an assignment agreement in writing and remember to agree on the commission in advance. That could be a month's rent. Finally, sign a contract with the landlord. The same procedure applies to finding and renting a house.
Of course, there are also insurance, internet, electricity and water bills a tenant has to take care of. On top comes the rent security deposit - usually a month's rent – which is returned once you decide to move out. Ask for your rental agreement in writing.
If the tenant wants to terminate the agreement, the notice period is one month, and the deposit is paid back in two weeks. If the landlord wants to terminate the agreement and the tenant has lived in the flat or house less than a year, the notice period is three months. More than a year and the notice period is six months.
Municipal accommodation in Helsinki
Municipalities in Finland, including Helsinki, have flats to rent out. And their rents are cheaper. But, there are certain criteria. You can apply for subsidised rental homes if you have Finnish citizenship, a registered right of residence, a residence permit card, a residence permit which is valid for at least 12 months or a student's residence permit. The first thing to do is to visit the municipality's housing agency and fill in the application form. You can also find forms on their websites. In the Metropolitan Helsinki area, these flats are very sought-after, so be prepared to wait a lengthy period. The tenants are chosen according to certain factors such as income and assets.
Rent prices in Helsinki
Proximity is everything. Rent prices in Helsinki are dictated a lot by the area. Flats with a rent below 600 euros a month simply do not exist. The cheapest ones are in the northern suburbs roughly 15 kilometres from downtown. With around 500 euros you might find one small room more in the centre, but maybe lacking a shower. The most expensive rents are in the areas with a postcode 00100, 00120 and 00130 - downtown. There, a 25 m² room will cost you roughly 850 euros a month. Prices vary hugely. For example, the rent for two rooms can be somewhere between 700 euros and well above 1,500 euros, again depending on its location. For three rooms the difference between rents can be somewhere around 800 euros. In case you move in without a family, be prepared to pay more than 1,000 euros a month for two unfurnished rooms and a kitchen. One more room and the price jumps up to roughly EUR 1,500.
Obviously, the overall condition affects the rent price. Are the walls newly painted, how's the kitchen and the bathroom, is there a lift in the building? Pay attention and find arguments, maybe, to lower your rent. Most flats are rented out empty, without furniture.
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