Housing Guide

The Act on Residential Leases sets out the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords. The most important of these are included in your tenancy agreement.

If you signed your tenancy agreement electronically, it is automatically stored in OmaAvara, where you can view it at any time. If you signed a paper copy, keep it in a safe place throughout your tenancy and for some time afterwards.

Spouses and partners living together – whether married, cohabiting or in a registered partnership – are jointly and severally liable for the obligations arising from the tenancy. This means that both parties are responsible, even if only one of them signed the tenancy agreement.

If a spouse or partner is not named in the tenancy agreement, they are still jointly liable for these obligations for as long as they live in the apartment. This also applies if the person who signed the tenancy agreement has moved out of the apartment.

The landlord may claim rent from either party who is jointly liable. It does not matter whether the spouse or partner was living in the apartment when the tenancy began or moved in later.

If your tenancy agreement requires a security deposit, it must be paid before you take possession of the apartment.

The security deposit serves as security for your obligations under the tenancy agreement. These include, for example, keeping the apartment in good condition, taking proper care of all keys provided to you, and paying your rent on time.

The landlord will hold the security deposit in a bank account for the duration of your tenancy. The deposit cannot be used to pay rent or any other charges, and no interest is paid on it.

When your tenancy ends, the security deposit will be refunded once all obligations under the tenancy agreement have been fulfilled.

You can read more about the conditions for returning the security deposit here.

Each apartment is entitled to rent one parking space, provided there are at least as many parking spaces as apartments in the building.

A second parking space may be rented only if one is available. If another household does not yet have a parking space, you may be required to give up your second space.

If there are fewer parking spaces than apartments in the building, you may need to join a waiting list.

At most Avara properties, parking spaces can be rented and managed through OmaAvara.

You can use OmaAvara to:

• view available parking spaces, their locations and rental prices
• rent or cancel a parking space online
• join a waiting list if no spaces are available
• manage your parking space alongside your other housing-related services

The parking space agreement is signed electronically, and parking fees are invoiced by our partner, Lowell.

At some properties, parking spaces are in shared parking facilities serving the surrounding neighbourhood. In these cases, the rental arrangements may differ from those described above.

You can always find the latest information about parking arrangements for your property in OmaAvara.

Parking enforcement is carried out by Aimo Park. If you notice a vehicle parked illegally on the property, you can report it using the Aimo Park online form: https://www.aimopark.fi/valvontapyyntolomake/

Please note that not all Avara properties have parking spaces available. Where parking is available, but all spaces are occupied, you can usually join a waiting list.

Your obligation to pay rent begins on the date you are entitled to take possession of the apartment, even if you do not move in until a later date. The first month's rent and any security deposit must be paid before you take possession of the apartment and receive the keys.

Your obligation to pay rent also begins if the apartment cannot be handed over to you for reasons attributable to you, for example, if the security deposit has not been paid on time.

Your obligation to pay rent ends when your tenancy comes to an end, if you have given notice in accordance with the applicable legislation and returned vacant possession of the apartment to the landlord.

Rent must be paid until the end of the notice period, even if you move out before your tenancy ends. If you return the apartment in time for us to find a new tenant during the notice period, we may agree a reduction in the rent payable for the remainder of that period.

Rent remains payable throughout the notice period even if you give notice before the tenancy begins and before you have taken possession of the apartment.

Your tenancy agreement specifies the amount of rent and the circumstances in which it may be reviewed during the tenancy.

Rent reviews take effect at the beginning of January each year. You will be notified of any change at least one month before the revised rent comes into effect.

In addition to rent, you may be required to pay separate charges relating to your tenancy. These are listed in your tenancy agreement or may be agreed separately during the tenancy. Typical examples include charges for water, sauna facilities and the laundry room.

These charges are reviewed in accordance with the terms of your tenancy agreement and are adjusted to reflect the charges applicable to the property at the time. Residents will be informed separately and in good time of any changes.

Your tenancy agreement sets out the arrangements for paying your rent, including the payment period and the due date. Rent is normally payable monthly in advance to the bank account specified by the landlord.

You can view your current rent balance and rent invoices in OmaAvara.

Failure to pay your rent on time may result in the termination of your tenancy. In such cases, the landlord is entitled to charge late payment interest and recover any losses arising from the breach of the tenancy agreement. The same principles also apply to the late payment of any additional charges.

Some local authorities provide housing advice services offering confidential and free guidance on housing-related matters, including payment difficulties.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact Avara's Rent Monitoring Service as early as possible to discuss a payment extension or a repayment plan.

You can find the contact details for the Rent Monitoring Service in OmaAvara or at www.avara.fi/en/residents by searching for your property's contact details using your home address.

You will receive the keys to your apartment, together with any keys to shared facilities available for your use, when your tenancy begins.

The keys will be handed over once we have received your security deposit or, if no security deposit is required, your first month's rent.

You are responsible for all original keys issued to you, as well as any additional copies you have had made. Throughout your tenancy, you must keep your keys safe and carefully consider to whom you give them.

For security reasons, keys and key fobs must not be labelled with your address or any other information that could identify your apartment.

If any keys are lost, the landlord is entitled to recover all costs arising from their replacement. These may include the cost of cutting new keys and replacing or rekeying locks, where necessary.

If you would like the name displayed on your apartment door to be changed, please submit a maintenance request to the property's maintenance company.

You can submit a maintenance request via the online fault reporting form on Avara's website at www.avara.fi/en/residents. Search for your property's contact details using your home address.

Once your request has been processed, the new name will be added to the entrance directory, mailbox and apartment door.

When completing the form, enter "Name change" in the free-text field and specify the name you would like to appear on the entrance directory, mailbox and apartment door.

In addition to notifying Avara that you are moving in, you must also submit a statutory change of address notification.

The notification can be submitted no earlier than one month before your moving date and no later than one week after you have moved.

The notification must be submitted to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). By submitting a single notification, your address details will be updated both in the Population Information System, maintained by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, and with Posti, Finland's postal service.

The easiest way to submit your notification is online at www.dvv.fi/en/moving.

Alternatively, you can complete a paper form, available at Posti service points and at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency's service locations.

If other members of your household are moving with you, they can be included in the same notification.

Remember to notify any organisations or service providers that do not automatically receive your updated address details from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

You are responsible for arranging your own electricity supply contract. We recommend that you arrange this before you move into your new home.

You are free to compare electricity suppliers and choose the one that best meets your needs. However, electricity distribution is provided by the local distribution network operator and cannot be changed.

The move-in and move-out inspections are important because they help protect the rights of both you and your landlord.

Under your tenancy agreement, you are responsible for compensating the landlord for any damage to the apartment that is caused intentionally or through negligence. It is therefore important to establish when any damage occurred.

The move-in and move-out inspections provide a clear record of the condition of the apartment and help determine whether any damage occurred during your tenancy.

When you move in, please document the condition of your apartment and record any defects or damage on the move-in inspection form in OmaAvara.

The move-in inspection must be completed within seven days of the start of your tenancy.

You can find the move-in inspection form in your personal OmaAvara portal.

If you do not submit the completed form, the landlord will assume that the apartment has no defects or damage other than those already recorded by the landlord's representative during the pre-tenancy inspection.

A broadband connection is included in the rent for almost all our apartments.

You will receive more information about the broadband connection when you rent your apartment. If you have any questions, Avara's Customer Service will be happy to help.

Most of our properties provide each apartment with a private storage unit, usually numbered to match the apartment. There are also shared storage areas for bicycles, outdoor equipment and pushchairs.

Many properties also offer shared facilities for residents, such as a sauna, laundry room and residents' club room.

When you sign your tenancy agreement, you will receive information about the location of these facilities, how to use them, how to make reservations where required, and any additional charges, such as sauna fees.

If you need any further information during your tenancy, please contact Avara's Customer Service.

Smoke alarms in residential apartments are the property owner's responsibility.

To help ensure fire safety, all smoke alarms are inspected once a year in every apartment. The inspections are carried out by firefighters from our partner KestoTurva or by authorised representatives acting on its behalf.

Residents are responsible for testing the smoke alarms every month.

Please test your smoke alarms in accordance with the separate instructions provided in your apartment and at the end of this guide, following the tables showing the division of responsibilities between the landlord and the resident.

The building is covered by comprehensive property insurance, which protects the building itself against damage such as fire, water leaks and break-ins. However, this insurance does not cover your personal belongings.

To protect your belongings, you should take out your own home contents insurance. It can also cover the cost of temporary accommodation if your apartment becomes uninhabitable because of an insured event.

When you move, make sure that your home insurance provides appropriate cover for your new home. If you do not already have home insurance, we strongly recommend that you arrange it before moving in.

If you cause damage to the property through negligence, you may be held liable for the resulting costs. For this reason, your home insurance must include legal expenses cover and personal liability insurance.

Your tenancy agreement includes the current building rules and resident safety instructions for your property.

The building rules explain how to live considerately within the building and help ensure a pleasant living environment for everyone.

The safety instructions provide guidance on how to respond in emergency situations, how to help prevent accidents, and how to keep yourself and others safe.

Please read these documents before moving into your new home.

If you need any further information, Avara's Customer Service will be happy to help.

A safe and pleasant living environment depends on everyone showing consideration for their neighbours and treating shared facilities and outdoor areas with care.

Please also encourage children and visitors to behave responsibly in the building's shared areas and around the property, and lead by example.

Help keep the surroundings clean and attractive by placing rubbish in the appropriate bins and avoiding damage to lawns, flower beds and other planted areas.

If you have a pet, please exercise it outside the property's grounds.

Bicycles and pushchairs should be stored in the designated storage areas, and vehicles should be parked only in marked parking spaces.

Most of our properties have a children's play area either in the courtyard or nearby. For safety reasons, children should play only in these designated areas. Lifts and other shared indoor areas are not suitable places for play.

Keeping balconies and private gardens tidy helps maintain both safety and a pleasant living environment. The building rules provide more detailed guidance on how balconies and private gardens may be used.

Your apartment is let for residential use only. Any other use, whether temporary or permanent, requires the landlord's prior permission.

If you intend to use your home partly or wholly for any purpose other than residential use, such as running a business, please contact Avara's Customer Service or your rental specialist well in advance.

The landlord may terminate your tenancy if the apartment is used in breach of the tenancy agreement.

When using your apartment, you must comply with the terms of your tenancy agreement, the building rules and applicable legislation. Please also follow official regulations and guidance relating to public order and safety and always show consideration for your neighbours.

If your apartment will be unoccupied for one month or longer, please inform Avara's Customer Service in advance.

If your apartment is fitted with a security lock, arrangements must be made to ensure that the landlord can gain access if necessary. For example, in the event of a water leak or another emergency, the landlord must be able to enter the apartment.

As a resident, you are required to comply with the building rules and resident safety instructions in force at the time. These provide guidance on, among other things, how to respond in an emergency and how to be prepared for one.

You must also comply with the Public Order Act and all other applicable legislation. Failure to do so may result in the termination of your tenancy and, where applicable, liability for any resulting loss or damage.

You can find further information on safety in your building's emergency plan and from Avara's Customer Service.

The easiest way to access the emergency plan is via the web link provided in the resident safety instructions.

Under the law, the landlord may terminate a tenancy, or, in serious cases, do so with immediate effect, if a tenant causes persistent disturbance or nuisance.

You should therefore make sure that noise or other disturbances from your apartment do not repeatedly interfere with other residents' enjoyment of their homes. Examples include persistent dog barking or loud music, particularly during designated quiet hours.

However, normal everyday sounds are part of living in an apartment building and should be tolerated. Everyone must be able to live a normal life in their home. For example, ordinary noise from children playing is acceptable during the hours permitted under the building rules.

Occasional noise, such as a birthday party held once a year, would not normally be considered a breach of the building rules. It is courteous to let your neighbours know in advance about one-off events that may cause temporary noise, for example, by putting a notice on the building's noticeboard.

If you experience repeated disturbances in your building, please report them in writing to Avara's Customer Service. A written report is required before a formal written warning can be issued to the person causing the disturbance.

If the disturbance continues after a warning has been issued, the landlord may have grounds to terminate the tenancy with immediate effect. In serious situations, please contact the police.

As a tenant, you should always remember that your apartment is someone else's property. Under the law, you are required to take proper care of both your apartment and the shared facilities, equipment and furnishings provided for residents.

Please use and maintain your apartment's ventilation system, appliances, fixtures and fittings, and surface finishes in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any guidance provided.

You can find more information in your apartment's resident handbook. If you cannot find the handbook or the information you need, please contact Avara's Customer Service. You can also ask the property's maintenance company for advice.

If you are ever unsure about how to use or look after any part of your apartment, please ask before acting.

Ventilation

Most of our apartments are equipped with a mechanical ventilation system. Stale air is extracted from the kitchen and wet rooms, while fresh replacement air enters through air vents located in the external walls of the living room and bedrooms, in the window frames or through ceiling vents.

A properly functioning ventilation system is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. Adequate ventilation is also important when airing the apartment and drying out wet rooms, particularly after using the sauna.

For this reason, the ventilation system must never be switched off completely, and the fresh air vents must not be closed or blocked. If the supply of fresh air is restricted, uncontrolled air may enter the apartment through the building structure or from the communal areas, such as the stairwell.

Remember to clean the cooker hood grease filter regularly to ensure that it operates efficiently.

You can easily check whether the ventilation system is working properly. Hold a sheet of kitchen paper against an extract air vent or the cooker hood grease filter. If the paper is held firmly in place by suction, the ventilation system is operating correctly.

If you suspect that the ventilation system is not working properly, please report the fault to the property's maintenance company without delay. They will arrange any necessary inspection, maintenance or repairs.

You can air your apartment by opening the ventilation windows. A few minutes is usually enough to refresh the indoor air. During the heating season, ventilation windows should not be left open for extended periods.

Further information about your building's ventilation system can be found in the resident handbook. You can also contact the property's maintenance company or Avara's Customer Service for advice.

Heating

The temperature and humidity levels in your apartment affect both your comfort and health, as well as the condition of the building.

The heating system is designed to maintain a recommended indoor temperature of 21°C. This is controlled by the thermostats on the underfloor heating or radiators. The thermostats must not be removed or tampered with.

During the summer months, indoor temperature and humidity levels may differ significantly from the recommended values.

Heated towel rails in wet rooms, as well as any resident-controlled underfloor heating, should always be left switched on. This helps wet rooms dry properly and reduces the risk of moisture-related problems.

Drains and plumbing

Only water, toilet paper and wastewater should go down the drains.

Items that do not dissolve in water, such as nappies, sanitary towels and other hygiene products, must never be flushed down the toilet. Cooking oil, fat and food waste must not be poured down sinks or flushed down the toilet. Cooking oil and liquid fat should be allowed to cool and disposed of in accordance with your local waste collection guidance. Solidified fat may be disposed of with biowaste where this is accepted.

Putting unsuitable materials into the drainage system can cause blockages, which may lead to flooding or water damage. Food waste in the drains can also cause unpleasant odours and attract pests, including rats.

Clean sink traps and floor drain in wet rooms regularly to help prevent blockages.

Please keep an eye on the condition of taps, toilets and other plumbing fixtures. If you notice a leaking tap, toilet or any other plumbing fault, report it to the property's maintenance company without delay.

Appliances and equipment

You are responsible for using and looking after the appliances and equipment provided in your apartment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This includes the cooker, oven, refrigerator, freezer and any other appliances supplied with the apartment.

Please keep all appliances clean. The freezer should be defrosted at least once a year. When defrosting the freezer, ensure that the meltwater does not damage the floor or cause water damage.

At the same time, pull the refrigerator or freezer away from the wall, where possible, and clean behind it. Dust that accumulates around refrigeration appliances can reduce their efficiency and, in rare cases, present a fire risk. The area behind and beneath the cooker should also be cleaned regularly.

Dishwashers and washing machines must never be left running unattended. The water supply valves must always be turned off when the appliances are not in use. Leaving the appliances unattended or failing to close the water supply valve could result in water damage if a fault occurs.

The hoses and connections for dishwashers and washing machines should be inspected regularly to ensure that they remain secure and leak-free.

If your apartment is fitted with a dishwasher and you suspect that it is leaking, please contact the maintenance company's emergency fault service immediately. The emergency contact number can be found on the noticeboard in your building's entrance hall.

Installing a dishwasher always requires the landlord's permission. Installation must be carried out by a suitably qualified professional. If you are planning to install or replace a dishwasher, please contact Avara's Customer Service before any work is carried out.

Electrical appliances

When using, cleaning or maintaining electrical appliances, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Any repairs must be carried out by a suitably qualified professional. Electrical work that requires certification may only be undertaken by a registered electrician.

It is good practice to switch off your television when you are away from home. Always keep the ventilation openings on electrical appliances clear to prevent overheating. If an electrical appliance is damaged or faulty, do not use it, as it may present a safety risk.

Never use the sauna heater to dry clothes. Clothing that falls onto a hot heater can easily catch fire.

Surface finishes

Use only cleaning products and maintenance materials that are suitable for your apartment's surface finishes.

Do not spray water directly onto the walls of the sauna, as moisture can penetrate behind the wall panelling and damage the building structure.

Do not drill holes in the walls of the bathroom or sauna, as this may damage the waterproof membrane and result in water damage.

Please keep an eye on the condition of the surfaces in wet rooms so that any signs of moisture damage can be identified at an early stage.

If, for example, the joints in the bathroom floor covering or wall and floor tiles appear to be damaged, or if you suspect any other signs of moisture damage, report the fault to the property's maintenance company without delay.

Under the law, tenants are liable for any damage caused to the apartment, the building's shared areas or its fixtures and fittings, whether the damage is caused deliberately, through negligence or by careless use.

You are also responsible for any damage caused by members of your household or your visitors. The cost of repairs or replacements will be charged in accordance with the landlord's current price list.

However, you are not responsible for fair wear and tear resulting from normal everyday use of the apartment.

As a rule, damage that occurs suddenly is unlikely to be regarded as fair wear and tear.

When assessing whether compensation is payable, the landlord will also consider factors such as the age of the apartment and its fixtures and fittings, the condition of the apartment at the start of the tenancy, and the length of your tenancy.

For example, if an apartment is in good condition when the tenancy begins but requires repairs after only a short period because of damage caused during the tenancy, this would not normally be regarded as fair wear and tear.

On the other hand, some components naturally deteriorate over time. For example, plastic parts inside a refrigerator may become brittle and crack with age. This is generally considered fair wear and tear.

Damage caused by improper use, neglect or poor maintenance of surface finishes is not regarded as fair wear and tear. The same applies if the apartment has not been cleaned to a reasonable standard.

At the end of this guide, you will find a table summarising the main maintenance responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord.

The landlord is responsible for maintaining and repairing the apartment. If you notice any defects or faults in your home, you should report them as soon as possible, preferably in writing, to the property's maintenance company or Avara's Customer Service.

Under the law, you must report any defect or fault immediately if it could affect the condition of the apartment or damage the building's structure.

If you become aware of a defect that could cause damage, you must take reasonable steps to prevent any further loss. This may include taking temporary protective measures and reporting the problem without delay to the property's maintenance company, Avara's Customer Service or, where appropriate, the relevant authorities.

Failure to comply with this reporting obligation may result in liability for any resulting loss or damage.

Under the law, you must obtain the landlord's permission before carrying out any alterations, improvements or repair work in your apartment.

If you are planning any work, please contact Avara's Customer Service in advance for information about the permission process.

Please note that the landlord will not provide any compensation for alterations, improvements or other work carried out by you, even if permission has been granted.

Under the law, the landlord has the right to enter the apartment to inspect its condition and ensure that it is being properly maintained.

The landlord may also carry out maintenance, repair or inspection work in the apartment, if it does not cause unreasonable inconvenience to you. Unless the work is urgent, you will be given at least 14 days' notice before it begins.

Advance notice is not required where immediate access is necessary to prevent damage or deal with an emergency. This may be the case, for example, if there is a leaking water pipe.

After you have given notice to end your tenancy, the landlord is entitled to show the apartment to prospective tenants. We will always try to arrange a suitable viewing time with you in advance. If you prefer, you may also conduct the viewings yourself.

If you receive written notice of a proposed viewing time and it is not convenient for you, please contact Avara's Customer Service to agree on an alternative time.

You must not unreasonably refuse or obstruct the landlord's lawful access to the apartment.

We always aim to carry out inspections, maintenance and repair work with as little disruption to residents as possible.

Contact details for your property's management and maintenance services are available on the building's noticeboards and in OmaAvara.

The property's maintenance company is responsible for building maintenance, the upkeep of the outdoor areas and cleaning services, in accordance with its service agreement. The maintenance company can also provide advice on matters relating to the building's facilities and services.

The maintenance company's emergency telephone service is available 24 hours a day. It should be used only for urgent fault reports and emergency door-opening requests. If you need to report an urgent fault, or if you are unsure whether the situation is urgent, please call the emergency number shown on the building's noticeboards.

Emergency call-out services are generally chargeable. Non-urgent faults should therefore be reported during the maintenance company's normal office hours.

If you have forgotten your keys and require the maintenance company to open your apartment door, you will be charged for this service.

Under the Rescue Act, everyone has a duty to act if they become aware of a dangerous situation, whether they discover it themselves or are informed about it by someone else.

If you cannot safely deal with a fire, accident or other emergency yourself, you must warn anyone who may be at risk without delay. You must also call the emergency services on 112 and, where it is safe to do so, take any reasonable steps to help until assistance arrives.

Waste management at our properties is carried out in accordance with local municipal regulations.

The waste collection area is equipped with bins for the different types of household waste and recyclable materials. Please use each bin only for the type of waste for which it is intended.

Incorrectly disposed of waste can pose a risk to waste collection staff and others involved in handling and processing it. Poor sorting may also contaminate recyclable materials, making an entire batch unsuitable for recycling. Sorting your household waste correctly is therefore essential.

Please do not leave rubbish beside the bins or elsewhere within the waste collection area.

An exception is Christmas trees, which should be placed in the designated area outside the waste collection point by mid-January.

Residents are responsible for taking bulky items, electrical and electronic equipment, hazardous waste and other items that cannot be placed in the property's waste bins to an authorised recycling centre or other appropriate collection point.

Using the property's waste facilities incorrectly increases costs for all residents and may result in liability for any additional costs or damage caused.

Bicycles, pushchairs, prams and other personal belongings may only be stored in the designated storage areas.

Under the Rescue Act, all escape routes must be always kept clear. This includes corridors leading to exits, stairwells, landings, and the corridors serving basement, storage and attic areas. Personal belongings must not be stored in any of these locations.

In stairwells, only entrance mats in the entrance lobby, replacement mats, noticeboards and ordinary door decorations are permitted.

Items left in escape routes or other prohibited areas are removed regularly.

These requirements exist to protect lives. Objects left in escape routes can delay or prevent safe evacuation during an emergency. They may also create trip hazards or encourage vandalism.

In the event of a fire, your insurance company may reduce the compensation payable if personal belongings have been stored in escape routes or other prohibited areas.

As the tenant, you may live in the apartment together with members of your household.

You must not transfer the right to occupy the apartment to another person without the landlord's permission. If you would like someone else to use the apartment, please contact Avara's Customer Service in advance.

Under certain circumstances, you may temporarily allow another person to occupy your apartment for a maximum of two years if you are living elsewhere because of work, studies, illness or another justified reason. Any such arrangement must be notified to the landlord in writing at least one month in advance.

Subletting means renting no more than half of the apartment to another person. Subletting must not cause unreasonable inconvenience or disadvantage to the landlord.

If you sublet part of your apartment, please provide Avara's Customer Service with a copy of the subletting agreement. Generally, only apartments larger than a studio apartment are suitable for subletting.

Allowing another person to occupy all or part of the apartment does not release you from your obligations under the tenancy agreement. You remain responsible for paying the rent, taking proper care of the apartment and compensating the landlord for any damage that may occur.

We recommend that you provide any temporary occupier or subtenant with:

• a copy of your tenancy agreement
• the building rules
• the resident safety instructions
• this Living Guide

Please also ensure that the required arrival and departure notifications are submitted in accordance with the relevant instructions.

Re-letting means renting the entire apartment to another person. Apartments managed by Avara are intended solely for use by the tenant named in the tenancy agreement. Re-letting the whole apartment is not permitted under any circumstances.

You may not transfer your tenancy agreement to another person without the landlord's prior written consent.

An exception applies if you wish to transfer your tenancy agreement to a member of your household who already lives in the apartment or to a parent of either spouse or partner. In such cases, you may do so by notifying the landlord in writing. Once the transfer has taken effect, you will be released from your obligations under the tenancy agreement.

The landlord must accept the transfer unless there is a justified reason for refusing it. This may be the case, for example, if the transfer would significantly increase the landlord's financial risk or if the proposed new tenant does not meet the resident selection criteria applicable to ARA state-subsidised or interest-subsidised housing.

Before approving the transfer, the landlord may require a credit check of the proposed new tenant, together with information about their income and assets.

The tenant's main obligations under the tenancy agreement have been described in the previous sections. If these obligations are seriously breached, the landlord may terminate the tenancy agreement with immediate effect.

The most common grounds for termination include failure to pay the security deposit or rent, or causing persistent disturbance to other residents. Other grounds may include transferring the tenancy agreement or the right to occupy the apartment without permission, failing to comply with the building rules, neglecting the care of the apartment, or using the apartment for purposes not permitted under the tenancy agreement.

In most cases, the tenant will first receive a written warning, giving them the opportunity to remedy the breach of the tenancy agreement.

However, in certain circumstances, such as serious rent arrears or another serious breach of the tenancy agreement, the landlord may terminate the tenancy immediately without giving prior warning.

Any notice of termination will be served on the tenant in a verifiable manner.

Termination of the tenancy agreement does not remove the tenant's obligation to pay any outstanding rent or other charges. These will continue to be recovered in accordance with the procedures described in the section "Late payment of rent".

Your housing needs may change over time. You may need a larger or smaller home, or you may be moving to a different area. Whatever your circumstances, we would be delighted to help you find another home that better suits your needs.

You can browse our available apartments on Avara's website at www.avara.fi/en, or contact Avara's Customer Service for assistance.

If you move from one Avara apartment to another, we will do our best to arrange the move as smoothly as possible, and you will not normally need to pay rent on both apartments at the same time.

Please note that it is not always possible to transfer your security deposit to your new tenancy agreement.

If we are able to offer you another Avara home, we will provide detailed guidance on ending your current tenancy, updating your security deposit, submitting your departure notification and completing the arrival notification for your new home.

An open-ended tenancy agreement may be ended by either the tenant or the landlord by giving notice in accordance with the terms of the tenancy agreement and applicable legislation.

We recommend giving notice as soon as you know when you intend to move out. If we can find a new tenant for your apartment during your notice period, we may be able to agree a reduction in the rent payable for the remainder of that period.

Notice of termination must always be given in writing and in a verifiable manner.

The easiest way to give notice is by using Avara's online termination form. You can find the form at www.avara.fi/en/residents by searching using your home address.

To submit your notice, complete the form and confirm it using an electronic signature. If the tenancy agreement is in more than one person's name, all tenants must sign the notice electronically.

Once you have signed and submitted the notice, you will receive a confirmation email. This fulfils the requirement for verifiable delivery.

If you are unable or do not wish to submit your notice electronically, you can request a paper form from Avara's Customer Service or download it from www.avara.fi/en. The completed form should be returned to vuokraus@avara.fi.

Your notice of termination must include:

• the address of the apartment
• the names of all tenants
• the date on which the tenancy is to end
• your planned moving-out date

Please note that a tenancy agreement cannot be ended without the consent of all parties who are jointly responsible for the tenancy. This applies regardless of whether the tenancy agreement was signed jointly or only by one of the occupants. We therefore recommend that all required consents are recorded directly on the notice of termination.

A fixed-term tenancy agreement ends automatically on the agreed end date and does not require a separate notice of termination.

When a tenant gives notice to end an open-ended tenancy agreement, the notice period is always one (1) month.

For tenancy agreements that began before 1 June 2020, notice may take effect on either the 15th day or the last day of a calendar month.

Example: If you give notice on 10 April, your tenancy will end no earlier than 15 May.

For tenancy agreements that began on or after 1 June 2020, the notice period is always one calendar month, calculated from the end of the calendar month in which notice is given.

Example: If you give notice on 16 April, your tenancy will end no earlier than 31 May.

In some circumstances, the landlord may also terminate the tenancy agreement. In these cases, the notice period depends on how long the tenancy has continued without interruption:

• if the tenancy has lasted for up to one year, the landlord's notice period is three (3) months
• if the tenancy has lasted for more than one year, the landlord's notice period is six (6) months

Your moving-out date is specified in your tenancy agreement. In most cases, this is the final day of the tenancy, by which time you must have vacated the apartment and returned the apartment to the landlord in full possession.

During the notice period, the landlord is entitled to show the apartment to prospective tenants at a mutually convenient time. If you prefer, you may also conduct the viewings yourself.

If a new tenant moves into the apartment during your notice period, we may be able to agree a reduction in the rent payable for the remainder of that period.

When moving out, you must submit a departure notification to the property's maintenance company.

The easiest way to do this is by using the departure notification form in OmaAvara. The form is also available at www.avara.fi/en/residents by searching for your property's contact details using your home address.

Please note that the notice of termination you submit to the landlord does not replace the departure notification.

You must also submit a statutory change of address notification to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). The notification may be submitted no earlier than one month before your moving date and no later than one week after you have moved.

More information about submitting a change of address notification can be found here.

Remember to cancel or transfer your electricity supply contract before you move.

Before handing the apartment back to the landlord, it must be cleaned in accordance with the move-out cleaning instructions and left in a clean and tidy condition.

The balcony, storage unit and any garage or parking space storage area allocated to the apartment must also be emptied and cleaned.

If the apartment has not been cleaned to the required standard, or if the final cleaning has not been carried out, you may be charged for the costs incurred.

When you give notice to end your tenancy, we kindly ask you to document the condition of your apartment by completing the preliminary inspection.

The purpose of the preliminary inspection is to record the condition of the apartment and identify any maintenance or refurbishment work that may be required before the next tenancy.

Once you have emptied the apartment and completed the final cleaning, please complete the move-out inspection. This confirms that the apartment has been vacated, cleaned in accordance with the instructions and is ready for the next resident to move in.

If you do not complete the requested inspections, the return of your security deposit may be delayed.

If the inspection identifies any defects or damage for which you are responsible, the landlord is entitled to have the necessary repairs carried out at your expense. Likewise, if the final cleaning has not been completed to the required standard, you may be charged for the cost of cleaning.

You are also responsible for the cost of restoring any alterations or repair work carried out without the landlord's written permission, as well as the cost of replacement keys and re-keying the locks if keys have been lost.

If you have paid a security deposit, it will be returned no later than one month after the end of your tenancy.

The return of the deposit is subject to:

• the apartment inspection having been completed and approved
• vacant possession of the apartment having been returned to the landlord
• all original keys and any additional keys having been returned
• all rent and other charges due under the tenancy agreement having been paid
• all obligations relating to the care and maintenance of the apartment having been fulfilled

No interest is payable on the security deposit during the tenancy or while the inspection process or the rectification of matters for which you are responsible remains outstanding.

The security deposit will not be returned if a co-tenant or another jointly liable tenant continues to occupy the apartment and no replacement security deposit has been provided.

The security deposit serves as security for the tenant's obligations under the tenancy agreement. If these obligations have not been fulfilled, the landlord is entitled to deduct the resulting costs directly from the security deposit.

Such deductions may include, for example:

• unpaid rent or other charges
• inadequate care of the apartment
• failure to carry out the required final cleaning
• the cost of repairs for damage for which the tenant is responsible

If the security deposit is insufficient to cover these costs, the landlord is entitled to recover any outstanding balance from the tenant.

Any deductions from the security deposit and any additional charges payable by the tenant will be calculated in accordance with the landlord's current resident charging price list.

A parking permit is not issued for a specific vehicle. However, the registration numbers of all vehicles using the permit must be registered with the parking operator.

Only one vehicle may be parked using a single parking permit at any one time.