Lappeenrannan Asuntopalvelu Oy has made a significant decision, because starting from May 1, 2024, a security deposit will no longer be charged in new leases when the tenant has no payment default entries. The new practice brings relief to apartment seekers.
In the future, waiving a security deposit will ease the financial situation of apartment seekers and make renting an apartment faster and easier.
– We believe that the waiver of security deposit will be welcomed in this household situation. Waiver of the security deposit makes renting an apartment financially easier for the customer, says Veli-Matti Pulli, the new CEO of Lappeenranta Asuntopalvelu. This removes one obstacle from the path of apartment seekers and makes renting an apartment faster and easier, continues Pulli.
As of May 1, 2024, in new leases, the security deposit is 0 euros if the tenant has no payment default entries. In the case of payment default entries, the deposit is set at 500 euros or Kela’s payment commitment at the amount of 2-3 months’ monthly rent, case by case.
Already paid deposits can be returned
If the tenant has paid a security deposit, they can apply for a return of the security deposit after one year of impeccable residence and if the payments are up to date. For example, a resident whose tenancy started on January 1, 2023 and the conditions are met, can apply for a refund immediately on May 1, 2024. On the other hand, a resident whose tenancy started on January 1, 2024, can apply for a refund on January 1, 2025 at the earliest.
If the paid security deposit has not been returned during the tenancy, the deposit will be returned after the end of the lease, no later than two weeks after the tenant has fulfilled their obligations and cleaned the apartment and handed over the keys. If the resident has not fulfilled their obligations according to the contract, the security deposit will be used to cover the incurred expenses.
Return of the deposit can be applied starting from 1 May 2024 by:
- electronically using a form or
- by sending an email to: aspa.vuokrat@aspakoti.fi or
- by calling the housing service’s financial administration on 0800 143 100 (option 4, available Mon-Fri 9 am–12 pm )
The security deposit will be returned no later than one month after the return application has been made.
