Agency fees — Kuluttajaneuvonta (KKV) · Finland

Direct answer

In most EU countries the agent who works for the landlord cannot charge the tenant a finder's fee, registration fee or "administration costs"; where fees are still allowed they are capped and must be disclosed before you sign. A fee you should not have paid can be reclaimed, usually for years back. Kuluttajaneuvonta (KKV) (029 505 3050) takes complaints about agents and can fine them; Vuokralaiset VKL ry (vuokralaiset.fi) helps you write the reclaim; Kuluttajariitalautakunta (kuluttajariita.fi) decides if the agent refuses.

Call firstKuluttajaneuvonta (KKV)

Report toVuokralaiset VKL ry

If that failsKuluttajariitalautakunta

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] I paid you [amount] as [fee name] for the tenancy of [address]. Under [rule] an agent acting for the landlord may not charge the tenant this fee. I ask for repayment within 14 days to [account]. Otherwise I will refer the matter to Kuluttajaneuvonta (KKV)."

🪜 Step by step

Identify who the agent worked forIf the landlord instructed the agent, the fee is the landlord's cost. The listing and the contract usually say.
Ask for the fee back in writingCite the rule, set a deadline. Many agents repay on the first letter.
Report to Kuluttajaneuvonta (KKV)Repeated fees are a practice; authorities fine agents and order refunds.
Dispute body: KuluttajariitalautakuntaSmall amounts, no lawyer, and the decision binds a licensed agent.
Deposit and rent-in-advance capsWhile you are at it: deposits and advance rent are capped too, and "key money" is illegal everywhere.

📇 All contacts

Kuluttajaneuvonta (KKV)Advice and mediation with the seller, freeWhen the shop refuses📞 029 505 3050 🔗 www.kkv.fi/kuluttajaneuvonta

Vuokralaiset VKL ryAdvice for members on tenancy questionsBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines🔗 www.vuokralaiset.fi

KuluttajariitalautakuntaRecommendations in tenancy disputes, freeWhen the claim is unpaid after the deadline🔗 www.kuluttajariita.fi

Käräjäoikeus — summaarinen haasteUndisputed debt claim without a lawyerIf the recommendation is ignored🔗 oikeus.fi/tuomioistuimet

❓ Frequently asked

The agent says the fee was for "viewing" or "checks"

Renaming the fee does not change who has to pay it. Any charge to the tenant for finding or arranging the tenancy falls under the ban.

I signed that I agreed to pay it

A clause that contradicts a mandatory law is void. You can still reclaim.

How far back can I claim?

Usually the general limitation period — three to five years in most countries. Vuokralaiset VKL ry knows the exact rule for Finland.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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“letting agent fee illegal Finland”
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🚫 The letting agent charged me a fee — is that allowed, and who checks?