Can my landlord enter my flat in Finland?
Only by agreement — the flat is the tenant's home. The Tenancy Act gives the landlord a right of access to supervise the flat's condition and to hold sale or re-letting viewings — but visits must be arranged at times suitable to the tenant. Entering with their own keys without permission violates domestic peace, ownership notwithstanding. Exception: immediate emergencies (water damage, fire).
📋 The rules
- The tenant must allow access for supervising the flat's condition — without delay, at an agreed suitable time.
- For sales or re-letting, viewings are arranged at times suitable to the tenant — not unlimited, never unannounced.
- Entering with own keys without permission meets the elements of violating domestic peace — ownership grants no entry right.
- In emergencies (leak, fire, urgent damage prevention) immediate entry is allowed — notify the tenant as soon as possible.
- Refusing statutory visits can be the tenant's breach — reasonable inspections must be tolerated.
🔓 Exceptions
- Agreed maintenance visits (smoke-alarm battery, plumber) often run on a master key with the tenant's written consent.
- Long absences: the lease can set inspection practices for holiday periods.
⚠️ Penalties
Unauthorised entry can bring the landlord fines for violating domestic peace plus damages. A tenant's groundless refusal of supervision visits can ground a warning and ultimately cancellation.
📎 Sources
- Finlex · Residential Tenancy Act 481/1995 (s. 22) →
- Finlex · Criminal Code — violating domestic peace →
- Minilex · The landlord's right of access →
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can the landlord use their own keys?
Not without your permission — ownership doesn't authorise it. Unauthorised entry violates domestic peace. Exception: genuine emergencies.
How often must I tolerate inspections?
Reasonably — once or twice a year at agreed times is normal. Constant monitoring isn't.
Can I refuse viewings?
Not entirely — the law makes them tolerable, but times are agreed to suit you. An unreasonable viewing pace is negotiable.
What if the landlord entered without permission?
Document it (lock logs, witnesses), demand in writing that it stops — and in serious cases file a police report for violating domestic peace.
🔎 What people search
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