You can apply for student housing regardless of your place of study. All students enrolled in post-basic education institutions have the opportunity to apply for Mikalo student housing. For family applicants, it is sufficient that one applicant is studying. Mikalo also has housing available for young people who are not students. You can explore student and youth housing here.
Applying for housing is easy. You can access the electronic housing application [here]. We do not process incomplete applications, so please complete the application carefully and as thoroughly as possible. Every section of the application is important for the selection process. It is especially important to state your need for housing and the reasons for it. You can provide further details about your situation in the ‘Other reasons’ section.
When applying for shared apartments, each applicant must submit their own application. A separate contract will be made for each resident. If you are applying for a shared apartment with a friend, please write the name of the other applicant in the ‘Other information’ section so we can connect you during the application process.
You will receive a confirmation of your application by email, and your application is valid for 3 months at a time. If you do not receive housing within this period, you will need to renew your application.
Once a suitable apartment that matches your preferences becomes available, you will typically receive an offer via email. Please notify us immediately if you no longer wish to accept the apartment so we can offer it to the next person on the waiting list.
Tenant Selection Criteria
Priority in tenant selection is given to all students and local young people. The chances of receiving an apartment are better if the applicant is willing to consider apartments from a broader area and has fewer specific preferences.
The demand for housing is highest at the start of the semester (August, September, and January). At other times, obtaining an apartment is easier.
Attachments for Housing Application
The required attachments must be provided upon request before the lease agreement is signed. The request for documentation is based on the guidelines of the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA’s Guide for Tenant Selection for Arava and Interest-subsidized Rental Housing 3.3).
- Student certificate showing the start date of studies and estimated graduation time, or for incoming students, a copy of the institution’s acceptance letter
- Parental written consent
- Information about your current gross monthly income (e.g., salary, unemployment benefits, pension certificate, military service certificate)
- Tax decision and breakdown of the most recent tax return (for applicants aged 18 and older)
- Information about potential assets and debts
- All documents that may impact your housing need: medical certificate, pregnancy certificate, notice of termination of current housing, divorce decree, or decision about a waiting period
- For entrepreneurs: the most recent income statement, balance sheet, and business income verification form
- Passport and residence permit
In tenant selection, income and asset comparisons are applied, with priority given to low-income and low-asset applicants. The total assets of the applicant’s household are considered. When calculating assets, the applicant’s property is valued at its fair market value (not the tax value). The fair market value of assets can be reduced by the total debts of the household, for which proof must be provided upon request (e.g., a loan payment receipt or bank statement showing the loan balance).
Attachments for Students
Student certificate showing when studies began and the estimated graduation time, or for new 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.)
Optional Attachments to Clarify Housing Need
For example, relocation obligation from the current residence, medical certificate, pregnancy certificate, proof of internship/work, etc.
Signing the Lease Agreement
The lease agreement can be signed electronically. A link to the electronic signing will be sent to your email. Identification for the electronic signing service is done via mobile ID or online banking credentials.
The lease can also be signed at our office. If the tenant is under 18 years old, their legal guardian (who has given written consent with the housing application) must be present at the office. Please be prepared to show identification with a photo when signing the lease agreement.
A formal change-of-address notification to the Population Register Centre can be made at the magistrate’s office or online at posti.fi
Security Deposit
The security deposit is paid after the lease agreement is signed. The amount is determined as follows:
Shared room and 1-room + kitchenette: 300.00 €
Two-room apartments and larger: 450.00 €
The security deposit will be refunded within two months after the end of the lease, provided the apartment is in good condition, cleaned, and no extra costs were incurred by Mikalo during the tenancy. Additionally, the tenant must return any keys on time and have no unpaid rent or other fees. Mikalo has the right to use the security deposit to settle any obligations the tenant has at the end of the lease without consulting the tenant.
Apartment Maintenance
The law on residential leases and lease terms require the tenant to take care of the apartment. The apartment must be maintained during the lease and upon moving out. The apartment should remain in the same condition as when the lease began, except for normal wear and tear. The tenant is also responsible for compensating any damages caused by the tenant or their guests.