If you have any questions, please check the frequently asked questions below before contacting the office.
1. Application and tenant selection
Who can apply for a flat?
Anyone.
Do both spouses in a family applying for a flat need to be students?
No. Applicant does not need to be a student, but students are always given priority.
When can I apply for a flat?
Year-round. Submit your application as soon as your housing need is confirmed.
How long is the application valid?
The application is valid from the date of submission and up to 1 month after the last desired housing need date.
What do I do if my application expires?
Submit a new application or contact us by email (toimisto@kotopas.fi).
Can I apply for the same flat with a friend?
Yes, if there is a vacant or soon-to-be-vacant spot in your friend’s flat. You can apply for a shared flat with a friend by indicating your roommate preference in the application.
Can I apply for multiple flats at the same time?
Yes.
How do I apply for summer housing?
You can fill out and submit the application on our website (the most convenient method). If you don’t have internet access, you can order the application form by email or phone.
How likely is it to get a studio or shared flat?
Studios are rarely available after just a month of waiting. The surest way to get accommodation is to apply for a shared flat. Read more on the Applicants page.
How long can I live in the flat?
At least one year after completing your studies, possibly longer. However, this must be agreed upon separately. Student housing is not intended as a permanent form of accommodation.
Can I keep the flat over the summer?
Yes.
2. Moving in, keys, and change of address
My lease starts – where do I get the key?
You can pick up the key from the office on the first weekday of the lease between 9 AM and 3 PM. See detailed instructions in Tenant Info.
I forgot my flat key – what should I do?
Contact the maintenance person or SOL emergency center (contact details are on the notice board). See detailed instructions in Tenant Info.
Where do I return the key when I leave?
Return the key in a key envelope (available from the office) to the office, or if the office is closed, drop it in the office postbox.
Do I need to submit a notification of move?
If you live here for more than three months, you must submit a notification of move with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (required by law). You can submit the notification in a way that does not transfer your official residence to Kotka. Contact the Digital and Population Data Services Agency for more information and instructions.
What documents do I need for my student financial aid application?
A copy of the lease agreement and the first rent payment receipt.
When can I move in / when can I access the flat?
On the first weekday of the lease, during office hours.
3. Rent, payments, and deposit
What does the rent include?
When comparing rents, note that the rent includes electricity, water, shared sauna, laundry room, and gym access. All flats also have free internet.
When will I get my deposit back?
The deposit is refunded as soon as possible after moving out, but no later than the end of the following month.
What should I do if my rent is late?
Contact the office secretary. Payment reminders are sent by B2 Impact. See detailed instructions in Tenant Info.
What are usage fees?
Usage fees are charged for things like parking spaces or sauna use. See detailed instructions in Tenant Info.
Where can I see my rent and payment details?
Rent invoices are printed twice a year for the periods January 1–June 30 and July 1–December 31. Rent invoices are delivered as paper copies to your postbox.
4. Living and common areas
Can I grill on the balcony?
No.
Can I smoke on the balcony?
It is possible, but you should still consider any inconvenience to neighbours. Throwing cigarette butts from the balcony to the yard is strictly prohibited.
Can I install a satellite dish?
No.
Can I keep pets in the flats?
Yes in studios and family flats, no in shared flats. Permission must be requested in advance. See detailed instructions in Tenant Info.
What common areas are included in the rent and how do they work?
The rent includes the laundry room, shared sauna, and use of the building’s common areas. Use of these facilities is free and self-service. See detailed usage instructions in Tenant Info. You can find the location of the facilities in the property-specific instructions.
Do I need to sort waste?
Yes. All properties have specific containers for mixed waste, biowaste, plastic, cardboard, paper, glass and metal.
Do the flats have freezers?
Newer flats have fridge-freezer combinations, and older flats will get them when the fridge-cooler breaks down. The mini kitchens in Koskisopenkatu 3C buildings only have a small fridge with a freezer compartment.
What are the quiet hours?
From 10pm to 7am.
Can I host parties?
Yes, but be considerate of neighbours and quiet hours.
5. Maintenance, faults, and repairs
How do I report a fault?
Submit a fault report form or call maintenance. See detailed instructions in Tenant Info.
Why hasn’t the fault been fixed immediately?
Faults that interfere with living are prioritized first, other faults are repaired as soon as possible.
What do I do in an urgent fault situation?
During working hours, call the maintenance person or the office; outside working hours, call the SOL emergency center.
Who replaces a burnt-out light bulb?
The resident is responsible for purchasing all apartment light bulbs (including oven, cooker hood, and refrigerator bulbs).
The building’s laundry room washing machine is not working. What should I do?
Check that a) the power is on and b) the washing machine door is firmly “clicked” shut. If the door is not properly closed, the washing machine will not start. If these steps do not help, notify maintenance.
6. Internet
The internet is not working – what should I do?
Check that you are using a direct RJ45 cable. If necessary, contact Elisa Servicedesk. See detailed instructions in Tenant Info.
7. Damages and liability
What do I do if damage occurs in the flat?
Report the incident to maintenance, who will inspect (photograph) the damage and assess the repair needs. Work and materials will be billed to the resident.
Who is responsible for the costs?
The resident is responsible for damages caused by negligence, improper use, or actions by the resident or guests. See detailed instructions in tenancy agreement terms.
8. Changing flats and termination
How can I change flats?
Fill out an application form on our website and select “Former tenant / Change of flats” as the applicant type. Remember to renew your application (for a maximum of 3 months at a time). Applications are processed in the order they are received by the office.
How do I terminate my lease?
Fill out a written termination notice. The notice period is 1 month. See detailed instructions in Tenant Info.
When will I get my deposit back?
The deposit is refunded as soon as possible after moving out, but no later than the end of the following month.
Do I need to clean the flat before leaving?
Yes. See detailed information in the move-out instructions.
What happens if I don’t return the keys on time?
We will charge you for the costs incurred by the delay.