Housing and community
Residential areas in Espoo are safe, with smooth public transport. A sense of belonging in a community is an important part of knowing your residential area and integration. Here, you will find information and tips on these topics.
Give feedback on the HelloEspoo.fi website and its translation tool(external link, opens in a new window)Housing
Instead of one city centre, Espoo has five urban centres: Espoon keskus, Espoonlahti, Leppävaara, Matinkylä-Olari and Tapiola. There are different housing options available. You can rent or buy a flat. There are other options available.
There are several parties in Espoo that provide rental flats. Espoon Asunnot Oy is a rental housing company owned by the City of Espoo. It has over 16,000 rental flats across Espoo. Residents are selected for most of Espoon Asunnot Oy’s flats on the basis of their needs, wealth and income.
You can apply for one of Espoon Asunnot Oy’s rental flats by filling out a form online. The application is valid for three months. You can update it if your situation changes. You will be able to extend the application's validity after three months. Espoon Asunnot Oy has many applicants for housing and cannot offer housing to everyone.
Rental housing in Espoo is also offered by M2 Kodit, Sato and Lumo-kodit, along with private landlords. You can look for rental flats on different websites such as Oikotie.fi or Vuokraovi.com.
The Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region (Hoas) rents out affordable flats in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. Students of universities, universities of applied sciences, vocational schools and upper secondary schools in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area can apply for these flats. You can apply for a Hoas flat, if
- you are a full-time student and
- your studies lead to a degree and
- your studies entitle you to student financial aid.
- Learn more about Hoas student housing.(external link, opens in a new window)
If your income is low, you may be entitled to a housing allowance from Kela.
If you need help in finding a flat, please contact Espoo's housing advice services or Moniheli's Katto programme.
- Please visit the Edistia website for more information on Espoo's housing advice service in Finnish and English.(external link, opens in a new window)
- Read more about Moniheli's Katto programme in Finnish and English.(external link, opens in a new window)
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A security deposit is a sum that the tenant pays to the landlord before the lease agreement begins. The security deposit serves as a guarantee for the landlord in case the tenant does not pay rents or causes damage to the apartment. The size of the security deposit varies, but it is usually amounts to 1–3 months of rent. Once the tenancy ends, the tenant will get their money back, if the apartment is in good condition and all rent has been paid. Not all landlords ask for a security deposit.
The lease agreement is a contract where the tenant and the landlord agree on the rental of an apartment. The agreement can be fixed-term or valid until further notice. You should make sure that the lease agreement includes the following:
- The amount and payment date of rent
- The duration of the tenancy
- The size of the security deposit
- The contact details of the tenant and the landlord
Landlord’s rights
- To be paid rent on the agreed date.
- To inspect the apartment at regular intervals.
- To be paid a security deposit for the apartment.
Landlord's responsibilities
- To maintain the apartment in good condition.
- To carry out the necessary repairs.
- To respect the tenant's privacy and to provide advance notice of an apartment inspection.
Tenant's rights
- To live in the rental apartment for agreed length of time.
- To use the building’s communal spaces such as the sauna and the laundry room. Please check if the communal spaces need to be reserved in advance. There could be a fee to use communal spaces.
- If the apartment is unlivable, the tenant is entitled to receive compensation or terminate the agreement.
Tenant's responsibilities
- To pay rent on time.
- To maintain the apartment in good condition.
- To notify the landlord of necessary repairs without delay.
- To follow housing company rules.
Instead of renting, you can also buy your own flat. You will find advertisements posted online about flats for sale. The housing prices in Espoo are quite high.
Right-of-occupancy housing is a middle ground between rental flats and owner-occupied housing. Right-of-occupancy housing is built with State aid. You can become an occupant by
- applying for a queue number
- registering as an applicant with the owner of the right-of-occupancy housing and
- by paying a right-of-occupancy fee when the applicant has been approved as a recipient of the right-of-occupancy.
In addition to the right-of-occupancy fee, the occupant also pays a monthly management fee to the owner of the right-of-occupancy housing.
If you are interested in buying a flat or applying for right-of-occupancy housing, please contact Espoo’s housing advice service for more information.
- Please visit the InfoFinland.fi website to learn more about buying an apartment in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)
- Please visit the Ministry of Environment's website to learn more about applying for right-of-occupancy housing in Finnish and Swedish. (external link, opens in a new window)
There are rules for residents of blocks of flats and terraced houses. In flats, these rules can usually be found near the front door. Residents have a duty to follow these rules. Please read through them when you move to a new flat. As a resident, you must ensure that your guests also follow the rules.
These rules outline, for example, the use of communal spaces and smoking policy. A building's communal spaces often include a sauna and a laundry room. The rules also state the building's quiet-time policy.
Espoon Asunnot Oy has a bulletin with a QR code on its notice boards. You can use it to read your building’s rules in 11 different languages.
In Finland, you must sort your waste before taking it to the housing company’s waste bins. Correct sorting allows the material to be used to manufacture new products. Materials that you must sort separately include, paper, cardboard, glass, metal, organic waste, batteries and hazardous waste. Unused medicines can be returned to a pharmacy.
When you are moving to another flat within Finland, there are several important things to remember. You should at least:
- submit a notice of change of address to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency and the post office.
- sign agreements for electricity and an internet connection and purchase home insurance for your new address.
- arrange your children’s placements in early childhood education and school.
- terminate your previous lease agreement.
- clean your previous flat before moving out and, if necessary, seek relocation assistance.
Espoo’s housing advice service will provide you with advice on housing-related matters. For example, the housing advice service can tell you about
- different types of housing
- applying for a rental flat
- housing costs
- buying a flat
- your rights and responsibilities as an occupant.
If your family’s income is low, you may be entitled to a housing allowance from Kela. The housing advice service can also give you more information on the housing allowance.
Housing advice services in Espoo are provided by Edistia. The service is free-of-charge and meant for all Espoo residents. You can use housing advice in Finnish, English or by using a telephone interpreter.
You can reach the housing advisors by phone or email. The phone service has a callback feature. You can also make an appointment.
Moniheli’s Katto programme offers housing-related advice in several languages.
- Please visit the Edistia website for more information on Espoo’s housing advice service in Finnish and English.(external link, opens in a new window)
- Learn more about general problems related to housing on the InfoFinland.fi website in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)
- Learn more about housing allowance on the InfoFinland.fi website in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)
- Learn more about housing allowance on the KELA website.(external link, opens in a new window)
- The contact details of the Katto programme can be found on Moniheli’s website.(external link, opens in a new window)
Transport and mobility in Espoo
Espoo offers diverse and efficient options for getting around. You can travel conveniently by metro, train, bus or bicycle within the city.
Espoo is part of the Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) area. This means you can travel with the same ticket to Helsinki, Vantaa and Kirkkonummi. The metro runs in southern Espoo (Tapiola, Matinkylä, Espoonlahti), and trains operate via Leppävaara and Espoon keskus. Buses complement metro and train services, providing quick access to neighbouring cities. Espoo also has a light rail line, which connects Keilaniemi in Espoo with Itäkeskus in Helsinki. You can easily plan your journey using the HSL Journey Planner, which shows the fastest route and the modes of transport you can use to get to your destination.
-> Explore the Journey Planner on the HSL website.(external link, opens in a new window)
Tickets and payment methods
You need a valid HSL ticket to use public transport. You can purchase tickets:
- with the HSL app
- with an HSL travel card
- by contactless payment (for adult single tickets only)
- from ticket machines and service points.
Espoo is located in the B and C zones. Ticket prices depend on how many zones you travel through. You can travel free of charge with a child in a stroller. Students living permanently in the HSL area are entitled to a discount on season tickets.
Espoo has a wide network of cycle paths and routes that are constantly being developed. You can take your bike on the metro or commuter train. When cycling, always wear a helmet, and in winter, use lights and studded tyres. Espoo also offers cycling courses for adults, where you can learn safe cycling and traffic rules.
City bikes
In Espoo and Helsinki, you can use the yellow city bikes from April to October. You can pick up a bike and return it to any city bike station in these cities. To use city bikes, you have to register on the HSL website and you need Finnish online banking codes.
You can also get around in Espoo by car. In Finland, it is important to know the traffic rules and take the weather conditions into account, especially in winter. Winter tyres must be used from November to March if the weather or road conditions require it.
Parking in Espoo is free in many areas, but often time-limited. You must indicate the start time of your parking using a parking disc. Paid parking spaces are available, for example, in Matinkylä, Leppävaara and Tapiola.
Near metro and train stations, there are park-and-ride spaces where you can leave your car and continue your journey using public transport. Some park-and-ride spaces are free, while others are subject to a fee. The time limits vary depending on the area.
Community and events in Espoo
Friends are essential for integration. Events are good opportunities to meet new people.
Espoo’s libraries are shared living rooms. Libraries host events and clubs where you can meet new people. Peer support for learning Finnish is available at language cafés, which are organised at many Espoo libraries.
It may also be possible to volunteer at your library and meet new acquaintances that way.
Libraries organise a lot of activities for people of different ages. Library clubs, courses and workshops are free of charge. All large libraries have a host of computer, console and board games for you to play. You can usually participate in library clubs without prior registration.
Library staff will be happy to tell you more about its activities and events. Don't hesitate to ask them for more!
Espoo is full of events! In Espoo, you can enjoy music, art, exhibitions and museums, and much more. We organize concerts, theatre and circus performances, dance, events, art and hobby activities, and exhibitions.
Events may be free or paid.
Espoo’s libraries organize a lot of events. The events are usually open to everyone and always free of charge. Only some groups require you to register in advance. Libraries have musical events, game evenings, book clubs, information events and much more. Please ask library staff for more information.
Espoo has several meeting places where you can get to know new people and participate in communal activities. In meeting places, you can also volunteer and help others. Also ask about internships!
Community House Espoo organises and coordinates activities for families and immigrant women in Espoon keskus. The Community House enables inspiring projects and offers group activities and events. The facility is coordinated by Nicehearts ry.
Chapple is a meeting place maintained by the Olari parish at the Iso Omena shopping centre. Chapple offers different activities for families, young people, adults and older people. International events are held regularly, but you can also come and just hang out, talk and drink coffee. Everyone is welcome, regardless of religion!
The Matinkylä neighbourhood house is a meeting place for the residents of the area. You can spend time, coffee, read magazines and meet friends and neighbours. At the neighbourhood house, you can join recreational and peer groups, study Finnish or participate in various events. Kalliolan Settlementti ry is responsible for the operations of the Neighbourhood House Matinkylä.
The Kivenkolo Community Centre serves as the living room for local people in Kivenlahti. The Kivenkolo Community Centre hosts a wide range of club and teaching activities and events. An affordable lunch is also available on weekdays. The activities of Kivenkolo are coordinated by the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (LUVN).
Contact information
Discover these services.
Housing counselling for Espoo residents
+358 44 7273415asumisneuvonta@espoo.fiCallback requests can be made from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Edistia's housing counselling can give information on, for example, different types of housing, applying for an apartment, housing costs and yout rights and responsibilities as an occupant.
The Hello Espoo Community Facebook group is meant for the city’s international residents. In the group, you can talk about and share your experiences of living in Espoo.
In the Espoo Talent Hub LinkedIn group, you can discuss, for example, job search and working life in Finland.