When moving to Finland, finding the right place to live is one of the first tasks you’ll tackle. While many Finns speak English, knowing some key vocabulary related to accommodation in Finland, which can make the process much easier and help you understand rental listings, communicate with landlords, and feel more confident in your new home search. Here’s a list of essential Finnish vocabulary and phrases to get you started.
1. Types of Housing
Understanding the different types of housing available in Finland is essential. It helps refine your search based on your needs and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of commonly used terms:
- Asunto (Apartment) – This general term refers to any type of residence. You’ll hear it frequently when discussing living arrangements.
- Yksiö (Studio Apartment) – A one-room apartment with a kitchenette and bathroom, ideal for students or single professionals.
- Kaksio (Two-Room Apartment) – An apartment with a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. It’s great for couples or small families.
- Kolmio (Three-Room Apartment) – These apartments have two bedrooms and a living room, plus a kitchen and bathroom. They’re popular among families.
- Neliö (Four-Room Apartment) – A spacious choice with three bedrooms and a living room, ideal for larger families.
- Omakotitalo (Detached House) – A stand-alone house perfect for those looking for more privacy and outdoor space.
- Rivitalo (Row House/Terraced House) – A series of attached homes with separate entrances, offering a mix of community and privacy.
- Kerrostalo (Apartment Building) – Multi-story apartment buildings, common in urban areas, often equipped with amenities like shared saunas.
- Paritalo (Semi-Detached House) – Two homes sharing a wall but with separate entrances, combining affordability and independence.
- Mökki (Cottage) – Often used as a summer home, these are traditional wooden cottages found near lakes or forests.
Each type caters to a specific lifestyle, so knowing these terms will help you express your preferences when speaking to landlords or real estate agents.
2. Features of the Property
When browsing housing advertisements in Finland, you’ll come across many descriptive terms. Knowing these will help you identify which features suit your needs:
- Parveke (Balcony) – Balconies are common in Finnish apartments and are perfect for enjoying fresh air year-round.
- Sauna (Sauna) – A quintessential Finnish feature. Many homes have private saunas, and shared ones are typical in apartment buildings.
- Kylpyhuone (Bathroom) – Refers to a bathroom equipped with a shower or bathtub.
- Suihku (Shower) – Some smaller apartments might list this separately if it’s not part of a full bathroom.
- Keittiö (Kitchen) – The heart of any home, where meals are prepared.
- Avokeittiö (Open Kitchen) – Open-plan kitchens connect directly to living spaces, offering a modern and spacious feel.
- Varasto (Storage) – Many apartments include storage units, usually in a separate part of the building, for extra belongings.
- Autotalli (Garage) – A garage, especially useful in winter for keeping cars snow-free and warm.
- Kodinhoitohuone (Utility Room/Laundry Room) – A dedicated space for washing, drying, and ironing clothes.
- Lattialämmitys (Underfloor Heating) – Common in bathrooms and some living areas, keeping the floors warm during cold winters.
- Piha (Yard/Garden) – A garden or yard, often a feature of detached houses or row houses.
- Takapiha (Backyard) – A private backyard, offering outdoor space for relaxation or activities.
- Hissi (Elevator) – Found in many kerrostalo, making higher floors more accessible.
Understanding these terms will allow you to quickly spot homes with the features you value most.
3. Rental Terms and Conditions
Navigating rental agreements in Finland requires familiarity with specific terms and conditions. These words and phrases will help you understand your rental responsibilities and rights as either a tenant or a landlord:
- Vuokra (Rent) – Refers to the monthly payment required to live in the apartment. Some agreements include utilities in the rent, while others do not.
- Vuokranantaja (Landlord) – The property owner responsible for renting out the apartment. They handle maintenance issues and oversee the lease terms.
- Vuokralainen (Tenant) – The person who rents and lives in the property. Tenants are responsible for adhering to the rental agreement.
- Vuokrasopimus (Rental Agreement) – A formal contract detailing the terms of the rental, including rent amount, deposit, and notice period.
- Vakuus (Deposit/Security Deposit) – A refundable payment made at the start of the lease. Typically, this is equivalent to 1–3 months’ rent.
- Irtisanomisaika (Notice Period) – The time required to give notice before ending a lease. Most agreements stipulate 1–3 months’ notice.
- Kotivakuutus (Home Insurance) – A type of insurance often mandatory for tenants, covering personal belongings and potential property damage.
- Vesi (Water) – Water costs are usually billed separately but may be included in the rent, depending on the lease.
- Sähkö (Electricity) – Tenants often arrange and pay for their electricity separately. Be sure to check the terms in the rental agreement.
- Lämmitys (Heating) – Heating costs might be part of the rent, especially in apartment buildings, or charged separately in detached houses.
- Taloyhtiö (Housing Company) – The management company overseeing apartment buildings. They maintain shared facilities and handle building upkeep.
Understanding these terms ensures you can confidently review rental listings and agreements without missing critical details.
4. Apartment Condition and Furnishings
Rental property descriptions in Finland often include terms about the apartment’s condition and furnishings. These terms help set expectations for what you’ll find:
- Kalustamaton (Unfurnished) – The apartment is provided without furniture. You’ll need to bring or buy your own.
- Kalustettu (Furnished) – The apartment includes basic furniture, such as a bed, sofa, or dining table.
- Remontoitu (Renovated) – Indicates the property has been updated, whether through structural improvements or cosmetic upgrades.
- Hyvässä kunnossa (In Good Condition) – Suggests the apartment is well-maintained and ready for occupancy.
- Pintaremontti (Surface Renovation) – Minor renovations, often cosmetic changes like painting walls or replacing flooring.
- Kunto (Condition) – Refers to the apartment’s overall state, often categorized as hyvä (good), tyydyttävä (satisfactory), or huono (poor).
- Uudiskohde (New Construction) – A brand-new apartment, often with modern amenities and energy-efficient designs.
- Osittain kalustettu (Partially Furnished) – Indicates that some essential furniture is included, but not all.
These descriptions allow you to filter listings and identify homes that align with your preferences and requirements.
5. Utilities and Extra Costs
In Finland, rental costs often include some utilities, but it’s important to clarify what’s covered. These terms will help you manage your monthly expenses:
- Yhteiset tilat (Common Areas) – Shared spaces within the building, such as laundry rooms, saunas, or recreational areas.
- Pesutupa (Laundry Room) – A communal laundry facility. Many apartment buildings have these to reduce the need for personal washing machines.
- Jätehuolto (Waste Management) – Waste disposal services, typically organized by the housing company and included in rent.
- Internet-yhteys (Internet Connection) – Internet services are usually a separate cost for the tenant. Some housing companies may offer discounted rates.
- Kaapeli-TV (Cable TV) – Cable television, which may be included as part of the apartment’s amenities or billed separately.
- Talousvesi (Tap Water) – Potable water supply, either billed separately or included in the building’s maintenance fees.
- Lämmityskulut (Heating Costs) – Additional heating costs, which vary depending on the type of heating system and whether it’s included in rent.
- Ylläpitomaksut (Maintenance Fees) – Monthly fees covering shared building services like cleaning, gardening, and minor repairs.
By understanding these utility and cost-related terms, you can budget effectively and avoid surprises in your rental expenses.
6. Common Phrases and Questions
Here are some helpful questions and phrases to use when inquiring about an apartment:
- Onko asunto kalustettu? (Is the apartment furnished?) – Useful if you need basic furniture included.
- Mikä on vuokran määrä? (What is the rent amount?) – For confirming monthly rent.
- Sisältyykö lämmitys vuokraan? (Is heating included in the rent?) – Important in colder months to know if heating costs are extra.
- Mikä on vakuuden määrä? (What is the deposit amount?) – To know how much deposit you’ll need.
- Kuinka pitkä on irtisanomisaika? (What is the notice period?) – Crucial for planning a move-out date if necessary.
- Onko talossa sauna? (Is there a sauna in the building?) – Since many Finnish buildings have communal saunas, this can be a nice perk.
- Voinko pitää lemmikkejä? (Can I have pets?) – If you have pets, it’s essential to confirm if they’re allowed.
7. Where to Find Rentals and Listings
Here are a few resources for navigating Finland’s rental market:
- Vuokraovi – A popular site for rental listings across Finland.
- Oikotie Asunnot – Another leading platform for rental and sale listings.
If you want to know more about accommodation in Finland don´t forget to read my article: How to find accommodation in Finland
Understanding this basic Finnish accommodation vocabulary will make your housing search in Finland smoother and less stressful. Whether you’re looking for a cozy yksiö in Helsinki or a rivitalo in a quieter area, knowing these terms will help you navigate listings, communicate with landlords, and manage rental agreements more effectively. Best of luck in finding your ideal Finnish home!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are rental agreements usually in Finnish?
Yes, most rental agreements are written in Finnish, so it’s helpful to learn essential terms or have a translator to review the contract.
2. Do Finnish apartments come with furniture?
Generally, rentals are kalustamaton (unfurnished), so plan to purchase or bring your own furniture unless stated otherwise.
3. Is heating typically included in Finnish rent?
Heating, or lämmitys, may be included, especially in apartment buildings. Always check with the landlord to confirm.
Thank you for reading my article! I hope you found the information helpful for your journey to Finland. Whether you’re moving, studying, or exploring, we´re all Future Finns and we all want to fulfill our Finnish dream.
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