Are you worried about paying the rent? Don’t be left alone

28.10.2024News

A variety of life changes can lead to a momentary payment problem, such as a sudden illness, a change in family relationships or the end of an employment relationship. Tighter economic conditions can also destabilise the ability to pay and put the household budget in a new perspective. At VAV, we always try to resolve rent payment concerns together with the tenant.

Life’s upheavals are difficult to anticipate, and many changes can affect your finances or ability to pay rent. But you shouldn’t be left alone to face these challenges. Prolonging payment difficulties and non-payment of rent can lead to more serious problems, such as the end of living in an apartment.

It is therefore worth reacting when your ability to pay rent is a concern and there are no outstanding arrears.

Support in a difficult situation

It is important for the resident to be active in a difficult situation. Momentary difficulties may require a re-budgeting of one’s finances and a change of priorities.

If you cannot pay the rent in full despite these changes, it is worth paying at least part of it and agreeing to pay the arrears separately.VAV has an approachable and knowledgeable rent control team that will negotiate the rent debt with the tenant and offer the possibility of a payment plan on a case-by-case basis.

A plan can help a tenant in a challenging situation significantly.

“In difficult situations, it’s best to contact us as soon as possible and there’s no shame in getting in touch. Together, we will see what can be done about it and work out the best solution for the situation,” says Antti Tikkanen, Development Manager at VAV.

It is important to commit to a payment plan. In some situations, the resident may also be entitled to housing or basic income support from Kela. The calculators on Kela’s website make it easy to check the amount of support you are entitled to.

Housing advice to help with everyday life

VAV residents can get personal advice on their finances and everyday life management from the housing counselling service. Housing advisers are a good contact if you are struggling to pay your rent or if your life seems otherwise challenging.

Housing advice is for VAV residents to help them secure their current accommodation. VAV’s aim is to make tenants’ lives as smooth as possible for them living in their own homes.

You can always check your rent payment situation on the OmaVAV service. You can see your rent balance and keep track of payments, invoices and payment plans. You can also use the service to contact rent control and housing advice.

Read more

Contact details and opening hours of the housing advice and rent supervision services