Finland Considers Allowing Municipalities to Regulate Airbnb Rentals
Finland is considering a new draft proposal that would give municipalities the power to decide whether short-term rentals, like those offered on Airbnb, should be allowed. The proposal would allow municipalities to determine if such rentals are permitted in residential buildings and designated housing areas, except for owner-occupied dwellings.
Kirsi Martinkauppi, a senior adviser at the Ministry of the Environment, explained that different municipalities have varying levels of Airbnb activity. The draft proposal aims to address the concerns raised by residents, such as noise and disturbance caused by short-term rentals.
The Finnish Landlord Association, however, criticized the proposal as being too restrictive. The City of Rovaniemi, which has a high number of short-term rentals, expressed concerns about the impact on housing prices and the city’s vitality.
The public comment period for the proposal ends on June 6, with implementation expected in 2026. This move aims to balance the interests of residents, landlords, and the tourism industry in Finland.