When renting a property it is common to pay two months' rent as a security deposit, plus the first month's rent in advance. This can be made in the form of a bank deposit. A larger deposit is illegal.
Rent is usually paid monthly and cannot be increased during the term of the agreement, and these conditions should be included in the agreement.

So long as the apartment is maintained in good condition the deposit is returned in full at the termination of the agreement. Typically, the tenant's term of notice is one calendar month and the lessor´s term of notice is three months. If a Finnish tenancy agreement has been valid for more than a year, the lessor´s term of notice is six months.

Do not expect to find:

• light fittings (except bathroom and perhaps kitchen)
• carpets / carpeting
• curtains

Do expect to find:

• a refrigerator, and often a freezer
• an oven
• water payments to be included in the rent

Useful Addresses

• http://www.oikotie.fi/ 
• http://www.etuovi.com/