Holdoverkäytön

Holdoverkäytön is a Finnish term that translates loosely to "continued use" or "holding over." It most commonly refers to the legal and practical situation where a tenant remains in a rented property after their lease agreement has officially ended, without a new lease being signed. This can occur for various reasons, either with the landlord's tacit or explicit agreement, or sometimes without it.

In many jurisdictions, including Finland, when a tenant continues to occupy a property after the lease term expires and the landlord accepts rent, a new lease is often created by implication. This implied lease typically continues under the same terms and conditions as the original agreement, or it may convert to a month-to-month tenancy. The exact legal implications can vary depending on local rental laws and the specific circumstances of the holdover.

Landlords may permit holdoverkäytön for a transitional period, perhaps while a new tenant is being found or if renovations are underway. However, it can also lead to disputes if the landlord wishes the tenant to vacate. In such cases, the landlord usually needs to provide proper notice to terminate the tenancy, following legal procedures. Tenants who stay without permission may be considered trespassers, although this is less common in residential contexts where rent is still being paid. The concept highlights the importance of clear communication and formal agreements in landlord-tenant relationships, especially at the end of a lease term.