The Finnish government has been critiqued by the legislative evaluation council for its draft legislation intended to amend the construction law. The proposed regulations specifically target short-term rentals, making the use of an apartment for short-term leasing over 90-180 days per year subject to licensing. The council highlighted significant deficiencies in the draft law that need to be addressed before it is submitted to the Finnish Parliament for further consideration.

The evaluation council urged that the quantitative and economic impacts of the proposed law need to be examined in greater detail. According to their assessment, the current draft minimally complies with the guidelines for impact assessment in law preparation. This scrutiny is especially pertinent in light of growing concerns surrounding short-term rentals in urban areas like Rovaniemi. The rapid expansion of such rentals has reportedly disturbed local housing markets and residential associations, prompting a need for clearer regulations.

The issue of regulating short-term rentals has gained traction as cities face challenges balancing tourism and housing needs. In Rovaniemi, this growing interest in short-term rentals is observed to be a point of contention among residents, indicating potential tensions between local populations and tourism-dependent economies. Addressing these concerns will be critical for the government to ensure the effective implementation of any new legislation regarding rental practices.