Housing

Below, you’ll find links to useful housing-related services. These include, for example, submitting a change-of-address notification, applying for housing benefits, and finding general housing advice and information.

• Kela - General Housing Allowance
• The Advocate and Advisor of Tenants
• Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction
• DDV - Submit the Move Notification Online

In Rovaniemi, occasional rental of your own home is usually allowed. However, frequent or continuous short-term rental may require a separate permit and could be classified as commercial lodging. Whether rental is allowed depends on: 

• the local zoning plan 
• the building permit 
• and the housing company’s rules.

If your apartment is not officially approved for lodging use, you (or the property holder) must apply for a change-of-use permit from municipal building control.

Rental income, including income from short-term rental is taxable in Finland. Remember to notify the tax office of any rental income, more information can be found on the Tax Administartion's website.

Responsibilities of the Apartment Owner or Tenant 

Before starting: 

• Check what is allowed under the zoning plan, building permit, and housing company rules. 
• Ask your housing company for documents or contact municipal building control for advice.
• You can request that your housing company applies for a change of use, if necessary. 

You must also inform your housing company and neighbours about your plans, and make sure guests follow the building’s rules and do not disturb permanent residents. 

Housing Company’s Role 

Housing companies are responsible for ensuring apartments are used according to their approved purpose. If an apartment is used illegally: 

• The company may issue a warning or even take over the apartment temporarily. 
• The company may also contact building control.
• Companies can prohibit short-term rentals in their rules or apply for a change of use. 
  

Municipal Building Control 

Building control monitors that apartments are used legally under the Land Use and Building Act. If necessary, they may: 

• Ask the owner or housing company to take corrective action 
• Prohibit illegal use of the apartment
• Impose fines if the issue continues 

If You Are a Neighbour 
If you suspect illegal short-term rental or experience problems: 

• First contact the housing company, property manager, or owner. 
• If nothing changes, contact municipal building control.
• If the rental is legal but causes noise or disturbances, contact the housing company or police. 

Good Practices for Hosts 
Before hosting: 

• Check if you need to file a Health Protection Act lodging notification, especially if you rent regularly or as a business. 
• Inform your guests about house rules, quiet hours, and safety instructions.
• Tell them this is a home – not a hotel – and to contact you, not neighbours, in case of problems. 

Guests should: 

• Not leave doors open for ventilation
• Avoid open balcony doors in freezing weather
• Sort waste correctly and respect neighbours’ privacy 
• Never take photos of other people’s homes 
• Avoid open fire unless in marked areas 
• Be warned about thin ice in winter, especially on river ice. In the center of Rovaniemi, going onto the ice can be life-threatening.

Recommendations for Housing Companies 
To prevent problems, housing companies are advised to:

• Review and update their house rules 
• Include topics like quiet hours, shared facility use, and safety
• Provide key rules in English, and use visual guides if possible
• Consider how short-term rental costs (e.g. cleaning, waste) are handled