Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any regulations for tenant selection in SATO's rented homes?
The construction of some SATO homes has been financed with state loans, whereby they can only be let on the basis of the criteria for tenant selection (= needs assessment) specified by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Any restrictions are mentioned on the page presenting each property. But, most of our rented homes do not feature any state-issued restrictions, which means SATO is free to select tenants for these homes.
How long will I have to wait for a SATO home?
The time you will need to queue depends of many things. The queue for popular areas and housing companies may be very long as these homes seldom become available and there are lots of people applying for them. The size of the home you are applying for also affects the period of time. Homes with more than three bedrooms are the least common in SATO's stock and not every property necessarily has apartments this large. On the other hand, the demand for small apartments is the highest and therefore you may have to queue for a small apartment with a lower rent for a long time. Because the majority of SATO rented homes are 2-bedroom apartments of around 60 m2 in floor area, applicants for these face the shortest queues.
Can I get a SATO rented home if my credit history is not perfect?
Our policy is to check the payment history of every applicant from the database of credit information company Asiakastieto Oy. Payment defaults may prevent you from being granted a SATO home, but a single minor default does not in every case result in an application being rejected. We always discuss any payment defaults personally with the applicant.
What is SATO's security deposit policy?
If you sign a lease agreement for a fixed term of at least one year, SATO does not usually require a security deposit. Once the fixed term is completed, the agreement will continue as a normal lease agreement valid until further notice. In other cases the security deposit payable is usually 250 euros.
Terms of fixed-term lease agreements:
Neither party may terminate a fixed-term lease agreement before the end of the fixed lease term. For example, if your lease agreement remains in force for one year, you must pay the rent for the entire year even if you wish to give the apartment up before that period has expired. Once the fixed term specified in the lease agreement is completed, the agreement will turn into a lease agreement valid until further notice.
Does SATO charge a letting agency fee?
No.
If I accept a rented home offered by SATO, may I ask for it to be renovated?
SATO's rented homes are inspected when the previous resident moves out. The moving-out inspector determines whether the apartment needs to be renovated. You will get a chance to visit the apartment before you sign the lease agreement. Make sure you inform SATO or the letting agent in good time of any defects in the SATO home offered to you as you will accept the home in the state of repair and condition existing at the date of agreement (including any renovation found necessary by the inspector). If SATO does not have the place renovated and you feel your new home is in need of painting, you can ask SATO for a do-it-yourself renovation kit for which you can select one soft shade of paint. Contact SATO Vuokraus ja myynti office for a chart of shades available.
Where and how can I pick up the keys for my new rented home?
You should check the practicalities related to key pick-up when you sign the lease agreement. In most cases keys are managed by property maintenance companies. You will find their contact details on the SATO website. Make sure to bring the signed lease agreement and a photo ID when you pick up your keys. If someone else picks up the keys for you, they will need to present a proxy signed by you as well as the lease agreement and their photo ID.
