Ulosottolainsäädännön

Ulosottolainsäädäntö, or Finnish eviction law, comprises the set of legal provisions that regulate the process by which a landlord may legally remove a tenant from a rented premises. The primary legal framework is the Act on the Protection of Tenants (1079/1998), which supplements general principles in the Civil Code and the Land Code. It establishes that an eviction may only occur under circumstances specified by law and must be executed through a court or an appointed agency.

The law requires landlords to provide written notice of termination, stating a valid reason such as non‑payment of rent, breach of contract, or the landlord’s need to occupy the premises. The notice must include a minimum notice period—typically 30 days for most residential leases—unless the lease contract stipulates otherwise. If the tenant fails to comply, the landlord may apply for a court order (ulosotto) or request expropriation proceedings. Courts review the evidence, assess whether the landlord has complied with statutory procedures, and may grant a temporary removal order if the tenant poses a risk to property or safety.

Tenants retain certain rights: the right to appeal an eviction order, the right to request a rent reduction for a period of viable occupancy, and the right to receive their personal belongings through a notice. In cases involving minors or individuals with special needs, additional safeguards under the Protection of Children and Family Act or the Act on the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities apply. The law balances the rights of property owners to maintain control over their assets with tenants’ need for housing stability and protection against arbitrary or unjust evictions.