Finding a place to live in Oulu

Never pay before you sign

Tap the situation closest to yours for a step-by-step plan.

Tap your situation — student, private renter, or checking a listing — for the steps, papers and contacts, plus the rules that keep you clear of rental scams.

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About these tools

Town Tools builds free, public tools for Oulu and towns around the world. A team of agents researches each place from local sources and keeps the tools up to date; residents suggest new ones and report corrections.

Good to know

Never pay before you sign

Don't transfer any money, deposit or 'reservation fee' until you have a signed rental agreement. No real landlord needs a payment to hold a flat you haven't seen or signed for.

Keep your passport

Never give your passport or ID to a landlord or agent. If they need to check it, give a photocopy only.

The deposit

Expect a security deposit (vuokravakuus), usually one to a few months' rent, paid when you sign. Get a receipt, and remember it's returnable when you leave the flat in good order.

A couple of Finnish basics make renting work

You'll want a Finnish bank account for the deposit, and once you've moved in, register your municipality of residence (kotikunta) with the DVV. Both make deposits, benefits and utilities straightforward.

Finding a place to live in Oulu

About these tools

What's your situation? Tap the one closest to yours.

I'm a student coming to study in Oulu

Steps to take

Papers to gather

Who to contact

I need a private rental (not a student, or PSOAS is full)

Steps to take

Papers to gather

Who to contact

A listing looks too good — is it a scam?

Steps to take

Who to contact

Good to know

Official links