If you are interested in Mikalo’s affordable rental or student housing, the easiest way to apply is by filling out an online housing application. All available apartments are rented based on applications submitted to us, considering income, assets, and urgency. We do not list all available apartments in the housing search, as many are offered directly based on existing applications. Therefore, it is a good idea to submit your application as soon as you know you need housing.
Incomplete applications will not be processed. Please fill out the application carefully and as thoroughly as possible. Every question in the application is important for making tenant selections. It is especially important to explain your housing needs and reasons. If needed, you can provide more details about your situation in the ‘Other reasons’ text field.
Students
For students and young people moving out on their own, we offer student and youth apartments ranging in size from studios to one-bedroom apartments with a kitchenette.
You can apply for a student apartment up to 3 months before you need it, regardless of your study location. All students in post-primary education are eligible to apply for Mikalo’s student housing. For family applicants, it is sufficient if one applicant is a student. You can explore the available student housing options here.
When applying for shared apartments, each applicant must submit their own application. Each resident will have their own rental agreement. If you are applying for a shared apartment with a friend, please include their name in the ‘Additional information’ field so we can link your applications during the process.
Tenant selection for rental apartments built with government support is carried out in accordance with the Act on the Use, Assignment, and Redemption of State-Subsidized Rental Housing (Arava Act), the Act on Interest Subsidy for Rental Housing Loans and Right-of-Occupancy Housing Loans (the so-called New Interest Subsidy Act), and the Government Decree on Tenant Selection for State-Subsidized and Interest-Subsidized Rental Housing. You can learn more about the selection criteria on ARA’s website www.ara.fi.
When a suitable apartment matching your preferences becomes available, you will usually receive an offer via email. When you receive the offer, please remember to inform the housing secretary handling your case of your decision. This ensures your housing process can be handled as quickly as possible.
Please also inform us if you no longer need the apartment, so it can be offered to someone on the waiting list.
NOTE! Please be aware that when applying for Mikkeli student apartments or rental apartments, only the most recent application will remain valid. For example, if you first submit an application for Mikalo rental apartments and then for a student apartment, only the latter application will be considered.
You can also download the PDF version of the application form here. Or you can apply for it or request it from our office.
The housing application is valid for 3 months. If a suitable apartment has not been found within this period, you can renew your application by email or by calling the housing secretaries.
NOTE. You do not need to submit a new application if there have been no changes in your circumstances. Please fill out the application carefully, as we will not process incomplete applications.
Attachments for the housing application
The required attachments must be provided upon request before signing the rental agreement. The request for documentation is based on the guidelines of the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA) (Resident Selection Guide for Arava and Interest-Subsidized Rental Housing, 3.3.).
- Student certificate or proof of acceptance to an educational institution
- Written consent from a guardian
- Information on current gross monthly income (salary, unemployment benefits, pension statement, military service certificate for those in the army)
- Tax decision and breakdown of the most recent confirmed tax return (for individuals over 18)
- Proof of any assets and debts
- Any documents that may affect the need for housing: medical certificate, pregnancy certificate, notice of termination of housing, divorce decree, or decision on the waiting period
- For entrepreneurs: the latest income statement and balance sheet, along with the entrepreneur’s income verification form
- Passport and residence permit
In tenant selection, income and asset comparisons are applied, giving priority to applicants with low income and limited assets. The total assets of the applicant’s household are considered. When calculating the amount of assets, the applicant’s property is valued at its fair market value. Fair market value refers to the probable sale price of the property (not the taxable value). The value of assets can be reduced by the total debts of the household, for which proof must be provided upon request (e.g., a copy of a loan payment receipt or bank statement showing the loan balance).
ATTACHMENTS FOR STUDENTS
Student certificate showing the start date of studies and estimated graduation time, or for incoming students, a copy of the institution’s acceptance letter.
ATTACHMENTS FOR NON-STUDENTS
Tax certificate of the most recent confirmed tax return
Proof of income (e.g., bank statement, unemployment benefits, etc.)
VOLUNTARY ATTACHMENTS TO CLARIFY HOUSING NEED
For example, notice of relocation from the current residence, medical certificate, pregnancy certificate, proof of internship/job, etc.
Enhanced Service Housing
To apply for enhanced service housing, please contact the service advisor on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM at +358 15 211557.