Feb 18 • 09:18 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Yle Uutiset

The draft law mentions Rovaniemi 13 times, yet does not solve problems – government legalizes short-term rental business

A new construction law draft fails to address the short-term rental issues in Rovaniemi, allowing current short-term rental practices to continue.

The newly proposed construction law draft in Finland particularly fails to effectively tackle the short-term rental issues that have arisen in Rovaniemi, where the popularity of services like Airbnb has surged alongside increased tourism. Local residents have expressed concerns that the rise in short-term rentals not only disrupts housing markets but also causes disturbances within residential communities. While there are advocates for short-term rentals, the overall sentiment among residents indicates a need for more regulation and clarity around the rules governing these rentals.

Rovaniemi's Mayor Ulla-Kirsikka Vainio voiced disappointment that the law did not provide a clear resolution to the ongoing challenges posed by short-term rentals. She emphasized that the current lack of restrictions, such as a daily limit, exacerbates the problems faced by residents, landlords, and city officials alike. According to Vainio, the lack of a clear framework complicates the enforcement and interpretation of the law, highlighting the necessity for more explicit guidelines that would be beneficial for all stakeholders involved.

The draft law permits short-term rental of investment properties for a maximum of 90 days per year, though municipalities can impose their own restrictions. This leeway could allow local governments to tailor regulations based on the unique needs of their communities. However, as the number of short-term rental properties continues to rise in Rovaniemi, the effectiveness of these new regulations will be scrutinized. Without decisive action and clearer directives, the city's ongoing issues with short-term rentals may persist and further impact its housing landscape.

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