According to the Finnish Association of Landlords, more people are clearly having problems paying rent in recent times. Municipal rental firms in Oulu, Tampere and Hämeenlinna agree. However rental companies in Lahti and Lappeenranta say they haven’t seen an upswing in rental arrears.
The real estate agency Vuokraturva is one of the largest private rental apartment mediators in the capital region. Managing Director Timo Metsola says his company has witnessed a rise in rental payment problems.
Metsola says rent payment hardships can affect persons in all income brackets.
“Of course persons earning less will always have more difficulties paying rent. However they are used to adjusting to variations in income and expenditures,” he says.
He adds that those making more money are also faced with back rent challenges if their income levels begin to waver.
”A couple earning a good wage won't necessarily be able to cope if one partner becomes unemployed. Nowadays many people live without a financial buffer. Some people are paying bills at the end of the month with their credit cards although they earn a good salary,” Metsola says.
He adds that many people who face rent difficulties are used to the high life and live in expensive flats.