“Pealtnägija”: Is the system still in favor of tenants?
The article discusses ongoing rental conflicts in Viimsi, Estonia, highlighting systemic issues in favor of tenants and against landlords.
The Estonian program "Pealtnägija" explores the persistent rental conflicts in Viimsi, particularly relating to systemic challenges faced by landlords. Experts indicate that the rental law appears skewed towards tenants, which raises concerns about its fairness. Tõnu Toompark, a member of the Estonian Chamber of Real Estate Companies, stated that the current legal framework seems outdated and does not reflect the current market realities where both tenants and landlords must be considered fairly.
The issue of landlord-tenant relationships is underscored by an instance involving Ruslans Šabanovs, a Latvian citizen and professional pilot who relocated to Estonia about a decade ago. After purchasing a three-room apartment in Viimsi in early 2023, he and his family adapted their lives around this new home. However, a new job offer from Ryanair prompted them to consider relocating once again, illustrating the volatility faced by renters in the current economic climate.
Toompark's statements suggest that the current Estonian rental regulations—which were originally established during a time of scarcity—need a reassessment to ensure that they balance the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants effectively. As rental disputes continue to arise, the conversation about creating fairer housing policies in Estonia becomes increasingly critical to accommodate the needs of a diverse population.