So, I got an apartment. When can I move in?

After your tenancy agreement has begun, you can move into your Kuopas apartment. You don’t have to move in the first day of the contract. Also, you don’t have to send us receipts about your rent payments.

You can find the instructions for using the storage room in your building in the storage room. Add room number and date to the storage room list when you claim the storage box. When you move out, overline your mark.

How do I get the keys to my apartment?

As a tenant you are entitled to receive a single key to your apartment. The key also lets you into the common facilities in your house. The key is your personal belonging and has to be kept with care. If you move in with your partner or with a child, you may get more keys.

You can get the keys from the Kuopas office (at Torikatu 15, 70110 KUOPIO) beginning from the first day of your rent agreement. However, if the first day of the tenancy contract is during a weekend or holiday, the right of possession starts on the following weekday. It is possible to get access to the apartment on the weekends and holidays by paying a non returnable fee of 70€. We will ask for your ID-card and signature when giving the key.

However, if you are an exchange student and the first day of your tenancy contract is during a weekend or holiday (=our office is closed) and you would like to move in on that day, your tutor can come and pick up your key from our office for free between 8.00 and 9.00 in the morning.

It is possible that the previous and coming tenant make a written contract of transferring the keys. See instructions from Tenant’s guide.

You’ll get the keys free of charge during working hours:

• Monday to Friday at 12.00–15.00
• First working day in every month at 8.00–15.30

Please remember, that the rooms in shared apartments have locks. Don’t leave your key inside and lock the door.

If you are picking up the key during a weekend or outside our office hours, please use the backyard door and ring the doorbell (asiakaspalvelu). See this map for guidance: Kuopas entrance map

What should I do first?

When you move in, you should fill in the Apartment checklist (within 7 days), a form which you should fill in as first thing when you go into your apartment and inspect the condition of it. You can fill in the apartment checklist here.

How to get a smooth start for living?

By law, it is the tenant`s responsibility to notify the local registration authorities of a change of address. Visit www.changeaddress.fito make the fastest and most affordable notification of change of address around the clock. Remember to inform your room number if you are living in a shared apartment.

You can find information about internet here: Internet, TV and modems

If in your apartment offer is written that you will need to buy your own electricity, you need to make your own electricity contract. This is usually the case in family apartments. In that case please read the instructions for that: Instructions for electricity contract

If you need a parking space for your car, or if you want to your own sauna turn, please contact the Kuopas housing office customerservice@kuopas.fi. Unfortunately you can’t charge electric vehicles from the heating posts.

Rent

The student houses are financed by state-subsidized housing loans and the rents are calculated on a non-profit basis. A separate fee is charged for the use of electricity, sauna and parking. These fees are in the rent invoice. In furnished apartments the furniture fee is already included in the rent.

Payments

The rent and other fees are due the 5th of each month. If the payment is delayed, collection company Intrum Oy will charge normal overdue charges and interest for overdue. Your rent payment information can be found from the rent agreement. You can pay multiple rents in one payment, if you like.

When paying the rent, use the pre-printed rent invoices which you get with your key from Kuopas. We always also send the rent invoice to your email. All payments must be done by using a bank transfer. Finnish banks don’t accept cash for payments, so please keep that in mind. If necessary, open a bank account in your home country from where you can make the international payments on time.

The charges that are not paid or that are paid late will be handled by a collection company called Intrum Oy. If Intrum sends you a bill, you should pay the missing rent to them. You can call and ask help from Intrum, the number is in the collection letter, if you happen to receive one. You can always also call or email Kuopas, if you have any questions about rent payments.

What kind of rules and regulations should I follow?

Make yourself at home!

Living in a student house means co-operation with your room mates and neighbours. Order regulations and other rules are meant to be followed. By using common sense and by also listening to the opinions of others in interaction with roommates and neighbours, you can positively affect your own as well as community’s enjoyment.

You can download our rules and regulations here.

Also see our Tenant’s guide, there are many usefull guides that can answer your questions.

Also note that as a tenant you are responsible for cleaning and minor maintenance work of your apartment. See more information here: Home maintenance

Do I need home insurance?

Yes, it is a good idea. The real estate insurance taken by Kuopas does not cover the damages of your personal property or your own accidents.

Let’s say, if water damage takes place in an apartment near you and damages your belongings, a home insurance is the only way to get compensation. Also, if your own dish machine, as an example, breaks down and leaks water to the floor, the repair work for the floor is expensive and insurance is a good thing to have.

Contact insurance companies for more information.