Rental legislation in Finland is changing on 1 October 2026. For most Vella residents, life will carry on as usual, and you will not need to renew your existing tenancy agreement.

The changes clarify the shared rules for residents and landlords. We have brought together the key changes and what they mean for you and your home.

Smoking in your home and on your balcony

From 1 October 2026, smoking will be prohibited by law inside rented homes and on any balcony or terrace belonging to the property. The ban also covers electronic cigarettes and herbal products intended for smoking. It applies to residents and their guests, even if the tenancy agreement does not mention a smoking ban.

Is someone moving in or out?

Please let us know as soon as possible if someone moves into or out of your home. Tell us how many people live there and whether the person moving in is, for example, your partner, child or subtenant. For anyone aged 18 or over who moves in, we also need their name, date of birth and contact details.

Returning your tenancy deposit within 14 days

Once all tenancy obligations have been met, your deposit must be returned or released within 14 days of the tenancy ending or the property being handed back, whichever is later. This means, for example, that all rent has been paid and the property has been left clean and in the agreed condition.

If we need to withhold any of your deposit, we will let you know in writing within the same period.

Arranging visits to your home

Our first step is to agree a time with you before visiting your home. If we cannot agree a time within a reasonable period, a visit may take place with advance notice where the law allows.

An urgent situation, such as a water leak, may require a visit without advance notice. If a visit takes place without an agreed appointment, we will leave a note explaining why we visited and who attended. We will also let you know where to find further information.

Moving out and ending a tenancy

The changes clarify how belongings left behind after moving out are handled. Please remember to remove all your belongings from your home, balcony and any other areas included in your tenancy.

The grounds for terminating a tenancy agreement are also being clarified. The changes make it clearer how serious or repeated disturbances can be addressed. Minor or isolated breaches will still not justify termination.

Questions about the rental law changes?

For most residents, everyday life will carry on as usual. Simply check that the details of everyone living in your home are up to date and make sure your guests are aware of the smoking ban too.

If you have any questions about the changes, please get in touch. We are happy to help!