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🇫🇮 Finland /Culture & Society

Heka: Terminating a lease is a last resort

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Press release Official statement Context piece
  • Heka, a housing provider in Helsinki, responded to a public opinion piece questioning its practices regarding lease terminations.
  • The company stated that ending a lease is a last resort, only pursued after serious issues arise and the tenant is given opportunities to rectify the situation.
  • Heka emphasized that ordinary wear and tear or difficult life circumstances alone are not grounds for termination, and all cases are assessed individually according to law.

Heka, Helsinki's municipal housing company, has addressed concerns raised in a recent opinion piece regarding its procedures for terminating rental agreements. The company acknowledged the public's worry, recognizing that lease terminations affect people's homes and often involve difficult life situations.

Heka cannot comment in public on individual residents' rental relationships, the condition of their homes, or measures related to housing.

— HekaExplaining the company's policy on discussing individual tenant cases.

In its public statement, Heka clarified that it cannot comment on specific residents' rental relationships or housing conditions. However, the company stressed that ending a lease is never a decision made lightly. Heka provides affordable and secure housing and must responsibly assess situations involving serious problems related to living conditions, apartment maintenance, safety, or community life.

The company highlighted that the decision to terminate a lease is always a last resort. Residents are given opportunities to correct any issues, and the assessment considers the severity of the situation, its impact on other residents and the property, and available solutions. Heka explicitly stated that normal wear and tear or challenging personal circumstances are not sufficient reasons for termination on their own.

Ending a lease is not decided lightly.

— HekaReassuring the public about the seriousness with which lease terminations are considered.

All evaluations are conducted on a case-by-case basis, guided by relevant legislation applicable to all landlords. When necessary, Heka collaborates with city services and support agencies, respecting resident privacy, to help individuals access housing advice or support. The ultimate goal is to find solutions that allow residents to continue living safely in their homes. Heka underscored that housing relies on cooperation between landlord and tenant, with both parties having legally defined rights and responsibilities. Difficult housing situations require careful assessment, humane consideration, and responsible action, principles Heka aims to uphold in all its decision-making.

Ordinary wear and tear or difficult life situations are not grounds for terminating a lease on their own.

— HekaClarifying what does not constitute sufficient grounds for lease termination.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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