I rent my home in Finland: who pays for energy and how do I check the service charges?
As a tenant you either have your own energy contract or you pay energy through the rent or service charges. The rules on shared meters and yearly statements protect you.
📜 The rules in Finland
Energy costs for tenants
A tenant pays only the charges agreed in the tenancy agreement. If it names only the rent, electricity, water or parking cannot be billed separately. For consumption-based charges the landlord must give information on actual use.
- If the utility changes its rates, the landlord must tell you without delay, but may raise your charges only if the agreement allows it. (kkv.fi)
- In state-subsidised rental homes, water may be included in the rent, charged per person or by metered use; usage charges must match actual costs. Where apartment water meters were installed after 23 November 2020, the charge must be based on measured use. (ohjeet.varke.fi)
- The Kuluttajariitalautakunta handles disputes between tenants and landlords, including private landlords. (kuluttajariita.fi)
🪜 Step by step
- Find out how you payYour own contract with a supplier, or energy through the landlord? Your tenancy agreement says so.
- Ask for the statementIf the landlord charges energy or heating, ask for the yearly statement and how your share is worked out.
- Check the rules for FinlandSee below what landlords must do on meters, cost splitting and statements.
- Dispute in writingWrite to the landlord with your questions. If there is no solution, go to the body named below.
📇 Who to contact
❓ Questions
Can I choose my own supplier as a tenant?
If you have your own meter and contract, usually yes. If energy is in the rent, the landlord chooses.
How is heating split between flats?
Often by individual meters or heat cost allocators plus a fixed share. The rules for Finland are on this page.
Can the landlord cut my energy?
A landlord may not simply cut your supply. Contact the body named on this page.
📎 Sources
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