In Finland, landlords are increasingly competing for tenants through various incentives as the dynamics of the rental market shift. Many landlords are offering free rent months or forgoing the typical deposit to draw in renters. This change comes as demand for new and expensive rental apartments, particularly in the capital region, has notably slowed due to cuts in housing support that have reduced tenants' purchasing power.

Timo Metsola, CEO of Vuokraturva, an organization focused on rental security, noted that the situation is quite different from previous years when competition for rental properties was fierce in urban areas, especially in Helsinki. The current market has shifted due to an oversupply of rental apartments, leading to a scenario where landlords are working harder to attract prospective tenants. This is particularly evident in the increasingly common practice of waiving deposit requirements, which traditionally demanded at least one month's rent as a form of security.

The implications of this shift could further change the landscape of rental agreements as tenants may benefit from more favorable terms. Such competition may lead to a reevaluation of pricing strategies among landlords and could possibly impact the overall affordability of housing in metropolitan areas. As the rental market adapts to this new reality, it remains to be seen how these changes will influence longer-term rental habits and tenant-landlord relationships in Finland.