Helsinki city councilor Otto Meri has called out the city's housing company, Heka, for not taking action against illegal short-term rentals that are reported to be occurring in Heka's rental apartments. The criticism arises from a claim made by a tenant who asserts that a unit in the same building has been used for short-term rentals, despite Heka's regulations which prohibit such practices. Heka's rentals are intended primarily for low-income individuals, and the selection of tenants is based on the urgency of their housing needs.

In response to Meri's accusations, Heka's CEO Maria Aspala stated that the company does not comment on individual claims related to specific rental properties. However, she assured that any disturbances or prohibited activities would be addressed as they come to the company's attention. The implication of these allegations could have significant repercussions for Heka, especially concerning public trust and its ability to manage its rental properties effectively.

Meri's comments were shared through social media, highlighting the increasing scrutiny on municipal housing companies and their management of public resources. With a growing concern over housing accessibility and affordability, the incident reflects ongoing tensions between political oversight and housing policy enforcement in Finland's capital.