Criteria for resident selection for subsidised non-profit rental housing

Some of our rental apartments are state-subsidised Arava apartments and others are interest-subsidised apartments (non-profit apartments). We apply the criteria for resident selection set by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland ARA to these apartments. Factors influencing the selection of residents are the applicant’s housing need and their wealth and income, in accordance with a government decree. We will review your wealth when you apply for housing. More information about the criteria for resident selection can be found in ARA’s resident selection guide.

Subsidised non-profit units are indicated in our housing unit adverts with the term “Selection criteria”. If there are no wealth limits indicated in the apartment advert, ARA’s criteria for resident selection will not be applied when renting out the apartment.

If you are applying for an apartment for seniors, you may be required to submit additional documentation or there may be additional conditions for receiving an apartment.

Wealth limits for non-profit apartments

Applicant households selected for state-subsidised apartments may not have wealth beyond the maximum limit set by the government. Wealth is defined as assets held at the time of application (fair value) and any assets the applicant relinquished in the year prior to submitting their application. Wealth may include e.g. property or a unit in a housing cooperative, other shares, funds, savings and deposits in the applicant’s name. Any debts and student loans within the household are deducted from the wealth. See what documents you need in order to apply for a non-profit rental apartment.

The table below shows the wealth limits for different areas. Wealth limits vary by municipality.

In Espoo, Vantaa, Jyväskylä and Oulu, wealth limits are increased in applicant households of over five people by €10,000 / person.

In Helsinki and the KUUMA municipalities, wealth limits are increased in applicant households of over five people by €5,000 / person.

In Kuopio, Lahti and Tampere, wealth limits are increased in applicant households of over five people by €10,000 / person.

In Lempäälä, the wealth limit is increased in applicant households of over four people by €10,000 / person.

How does income affect receiving a non-profit rental apartment?

Applicants’ income is compared in resident selection situations and is taken into consideration as an equal factor to need for housing and wealth. The fixed gross income per month of the people who make up a household is taken into consideration.

Income refers to income in euros before taxes. Income includes earned income with all pay supplements, such as overtime remuneration or extra pay for shift work, pensions, capital income, adult education grants, adult education allowances, and ongoing accident and insurance compensation. Income from abroad is also included. Income refers to income in euros before taxes.

Elements not considered income include student financial aid, housing allowance, child benefit, child care assistance, or other equivalent income supplements.

If your income is irregular, calculate your average monthly income for the last 12-month period.

If you are on temporary leave from work, e.g. maternity leave, the monthly income you were receiving while working will be considered your level of monthly income, unless you are aware of any substantial and permanent changes to your income.

If you are an entrepreneur when reporting your income, the basis used shall be the company’s profit in the most recent financial statement, including any direct taxes already deducted in the income calculation, unless the level of monthly income can be established in another way.

When assessing the need for housing, factors of particular importance are the household’s current living conditions and the urgency of improving them, as well as the size and age structure of the household. The apartment you are applying for must be reasonable in terms of size, in relation to the size and age structure of the household.

Short-term interest-subsidised rental housing

We also have some short-term, interest-subsidised rental housing. These rental apartments are intended for low- and medium-income households requiring rental housing. The household income is the only criterion for resident selection used for these apartments. When applying for these apartments, there is no need to provide evidence of need for housing or wealth. Currently, only our rental apartments at Lounatuuli 13 and 15 in Naantali and Kalaonnentie 9A and 9B in Espoo are short-term interest-subsidised rental housing.

Examples of the income limits for short-term interest-subsidised housing:

Number of persons in the household	Income (gross) €/kk
1 adult	3 540 €
2 adults	6 020 €
1 adult ja child	4 190 €
2 adults ja child	6 670 €
2 adults ja 2 children	7 270 €
2 adults ja 3 children	7 870 €

More information can be found on the ARA website.