A small number of SATOhomes are state-subsidised rental homes. When residents are selected, the urgency of housing need is considered, along with the income and assets of the applicant and anyone moving in with them.
When browsing homes, you can recognise them by the “ARA and asset limits” label.
Most SATOhomes are non-subsidised, so you can apply for them without worrying about income or asset limits.
Income and asset limits
When applying for a state-subsidised apartment, please complete the sections in the application form relating to your housing need, income and assets. Please note that the income of an underage household member who is working will be taken into account in the resident selection, unless they work only during school holidays.
Income and asset limits apply both to new applicants and to residents transferring from one apartment to another.
Asset limits
Please note! Always check the municipality's website for up-to-date information.
Helsinki
As the size of the applicant’s household increases, the asset limit will be raised by €5,000 per person.
Espoo
As the size of the applicant’s household increases, the asset limit will be raised by €10,000 per person.
Vantaa
As the size of the applicant’s household increases, the asset limit will be raised by €10,000 per person.
Tampere
As the size of the applicant’s household increases, the asset limit will be raised by €10,000 per person.
Income limits
Starting from the beginning of 2025, a one-person household applying for an ARA rental apartment can earn a maximum gross monthly income of €3,540. If the household includes more than one adult aged 18 or over, the income limit increases by €2,480 for each additional adult. For households with children under 18, the income limit increases by €650 for the first child and €600 for each additional child.
Examples of income limits:
Application attachments
If you are applying for a state-subsidised apartment, we will ask you to provide supporting documents with your application.
We need these attachments from all adults moving into a subsidised apartment:
Receipt of income, e.g. the most recent pay slip, Kela payment decision or tax return of a business operator. If your income fluctuates notably from season to season, you may want to attach receipts of income from an extended period, e.g. from the past and current year.
The latest pre-filled part of your tax return. We need this attachment even if you do not have any assets. You can find your pre-filled tax return form at omavero.fi.
A copy of both sides of a photo ID.
In addition, if any of the following apply to you:
You do not have Finnish citizenship: For EU citizens (including the Nordic countries, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland), a copy of the registration certificate, and for citizens of non-EU countries, a photo of both sides of a valid residence permit.
You have assets: A report showing the fair value of your assets. If you own property, include either a property listing, a real estate agent’s valuation, or a recent deed of sale. Please note that any savings shown in your tax information are also considered assets, and you can attach, for example, a bank statement showing your holdings in shares or funds.
You are pregnant: A certificate of maternity from your doctor.
You are a student: A certificate of student status.
You have been evicted: A decision from the court of law about the obligation to move out from your current apartment in case of eviction.
You are relocating for a new job: A documentation stating the location of your workplace, if said workplace is in another city or municipality than your current apartment. If your current home is owner-occupied, please include a report of its use, since rental income is viewed as income.