Rising financial hardship is contributing to an increase in unpaid housing fees and property seizures in Finland, according to a recent survey by the Association of Housing Companies. The case of former Member of Parliament Ano Turtiainen, whose unpaid fees recently made headlines, exemplifies this trend.
Yhtiövastike and Arrears
A yhtiövastike is a fee paid by apartment owners – or shareholders – to their housing company. Arrears refer to unpaid housing fees. Housing companies use these fees to cover operating costs such as heating, maintenance, and property upkeep. When owners fail to pay their fees, it impacts the financial health of the entire housing company, potentially leading to additional assessments for other owners.
In late February, the unpaid housing fees of former MP Ano Turtiainen and his wife became public. The housing company in Mikkeli published a notice in the Official Gazette on February 24th, 2026, stating that Turtiainen and his wife owe approximately 2,500 euros.
On March 23rd, the housing company held a meeting and decided to take possession of the Turtianen’s apartment for a period of three years. According to a text message from property manager Eveliina Lukkarinen, “There has been no contact from the Turtianens.”
Turtiainen has been in Russia since the end of last year, having been granted refugee status by Russia at the end of last year. He has stated in social media videos that he does not intend to pay any debts to Finland, though he has not directly referenced the housing fees.
Olli Rekonen, Research Director at the Association of Housing Companies, stated that housing fee arrears have increased moderately. The Association does not maintain precise statistics on the exact amount of arrears.
Rekonen believes the increase in arrears and seizures is due to a weakening economic situation. “For example, increased unemployment and cuts to social security benefits affect people’s ability to pay,” he said.
Property Seizure Process
A housing company can issue a warning about property seizure when housing fees have been unpaid for two months. If the arrears are not paid after the warning, the board can decide to seize the property after three months of unpaid fees.
“In practice, the housing company tries to rent out the seized apartment and cover the loss to the company’s finances with the rental income,” Rekonen explained. He added that housing companies can temporarily cover missing fees with reserve funds, if they have them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a yhtiövastike?
A yhtiövastike is a fee paid by apartment owners to their housing company to cover operating costs like heating, maintenance, and property upkeep.
What happens if housing fees are not paid?
If housing fees are not paid, the housing company can issue a warning and, after three months of unpaid fees, seize the property.
Why are housing fee arrears increasing?
According to the Association of Housing Companies, arrears are increasing due to a weakening economic situation, including increased unemployment and cuts to social security benefits.
As economic pressures continue to mount, will more Finnish homeowners locate themselves unable to meet their housing obligations?
