How the Rental Notice Period Works in Finland (AHVL 481/1995)
Residential tenancy agreements in Finland are regulated by the Act on Residential Leases (Laki asuinhuoneiston vuokrauksesta 481/1995, commonly abbreviated as AHVL). Unlike employment contracts, where notice counts in exact individual calendar days from Day 1, residential leases use a unique calendar-month anchor rule.
The Calendar Month Anchor Rule (AHVL 52 §)
Under Section 52 of AHVL, the notice period is calculated from the last day of the calendar month during which notice was delivered to the other party:
- For tenants: The statutory notice period is one (1) month. Regardless of whether notice is served on October 1 or October 31, the notice period officially commences on October 31 and runs for one full month, concluding on November 30.
- For landlords: The statutory notice period is three (3) months if the lease has lasted under one year, or six (6) months if the lease has lasted for one continuous year or longer.
Statutory Moving Day and Handover Rules (AHVL 68 §)
International tenants in Finland are often surprised by the moving day rule. Under AHVL Section 68, the official statutory moving day (muuttopäivä) is the first business day following the end of the contract:
- If the contract ends on April 30 (Friday), the statutory moving day is Monday, May 3.
- On the moving day, the tenant must make at least half of the apartment available to the landlord or incoming tenant.
- The tenant must completely vacate the apartment and return all keys by 12:00 noon on the day following the moving day.
- Important note: Many Finnish rental agreements contractually supersede Section 68 by requiring full handover on the final calendar day of the contract. Check your lease agreement text carefully!
Security Deposit Return (Vuokravakuus)
Under Finnish law, security deposits (typically 1 to 2 months' rent) cannot be retained arbitrarily by the landlord. The deposit must be returned in full without undue delay (typically within 2 to 4 weeks) after keys are returned, final inspection is passed, and all utility charges (water, electricity) are settled.
Normal wear and tear (such as minor picture hook holes or slight carpet fading) cannot be deducted from the security deposit. Only documented, abnormal damage or unpaid rent may be deducted, and the landlord must provide receipts and itemized proof.