Can I renovate my own flat in Finland?
Surfaces yes — structures only with notice. As a shareholder you may freely redo surfaces: paint, wallpaper, swap cabinets and flooring. The Housing Companies Act requires a written alteration notice before work that can affect company-maintained structures or neighbours — wet rooms, pipes, wiring, load-bearing walls, floor-material changes affecting sound insulation. Fixed electrical work belongs to qualified electricians only, and wet-room waterproofing effectively always to certified pros.
📋 The rules
- Surface renovations (painting, wallpaper, furniture, floating floors) need no notice — telling the manager about bigger jobs is still good practice.
- An alteration notice to the company is required for work that can affect structures, insulation, plumbing/electrical systems or neighbouring flats — before starting.
- The company may set conditions and supervise (supervision costs on the shareholder) — but can't ban a proper alteration without grounds.
- Fixed electrical installations may only be done by qualified electricians — DIY wiring is illegal and dangerous.
- Wet-room waterproofing and plumbing need professionals; tenants may not renovate at all without the landlord's permission.
🔓 Exceptions
- Tenants: everything with the landlord's permission — even painting. Unauthorised changes can be restored at your cost.
- Emergency work (a leaking pipe) may and must be stopped immediately — notify the company right after.
⚠️ Penalties
Unnotified alterations can be ordered opened and restored at your expense; unprofessional electrical/plumbing work can void insurance and leave you liable for water damage through the whole building.
📎 Sources
- Finlex · Housing Companies Act 1599/2009 (alterations) →
- Tukes · Electrical work — who may do it →
- Kuntaliitto · Building permits and control →
❓ Frequently asked questions
Does a kitchen reno need a notice?
Swapping cabinets and counters doesn't — moving water points, wiring or the hood's duct connection does.
Can I demolish a partition wall myself?
A light partition with a notice — touching load-bearing walls always needs the notice, a structural engineer and often a building permit.
Can I install a light fixture?
Swapping a fixture on an existing ceiling connector is fine. Fixed wiring belongs to electricians.
Who pays the company's supervisor?
The shareholder — the company may supervise at reasonable cost, billed to the renovator.
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Searches that lead to this question.
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