Alteration work

Alteration work instructions

I want to make alterations in my apartment. What should I do?

You may make reasonable changes or renovations that improve your living comfort. However, you must follow separate instructions and apply for a permit. You can get the alteration work permit application from the property manager. You can also print it here.

Please read the How to renovate your home section carefully. In the section, you can check, for instance, whether you can make the alteration yourself or whether you should order it from a professional. In some cases, you may need to reconstruct the alteration to match the original.

Please note that we have divided alterations into three categories:

Permitted alterations that are simply notified to the property manager before starting the renovation. These are paid by the resident and not subject to compensation. The notification must specify the types and codes of the used materials (for example, only products suitable for wet areas can be used in wet rooms).
Permitted alterations that require permission from the property manager and, possibly, work instructions. Some of these alterations are refundable as long as you provide receipts for the materials. Refundable alterations are amortised either within 5 or 10 years of their completion. You will receive the compensation when you move out of your apartment if the amortisation period has not ended.
Prohibited alterations, such as all alterations requiring a building permit, except for balcony glazing.

Katso muutostyötaulukko

Where can I get help and instructions for alterations?

You can always ask for advice on alterations from the property manager. You can find the contact details of your own property manager here. See also the How to renovate your home section. You should also look for general instructions and tips on renovation on the Internet. By using the material suppliers’ own instructions, you can avoid many mistakes and ensure a high-quality end result.

Can I get a refund for alterations?

Yes, for some of them. Refundable alterations always require permission from the property manager. You will get the refund if the refund period has not ended by the time your right-of-occupancy contract expires.

The maximum compensation amount is EUR 5,000. Your share of the payment is always 20%. The compensated amount will decrease over time to zero in either five (5) or ten (10) years from the payment dates marked on the receipts. Check the compensation period for each type of alteration in the alteration table. If the cost of the alteration applied for and carried out at one time is less than EUR 400, no compensation will be paid for it. If the cost or residual value of the alterations are less than EUR 100 when you move, no compensation will be paid. In some cases, you can apply for a household allowance for the costs of the work. Read more at vero.fi/en.

Who is responsible for making and maintaining the alterations?

Larger alterations are usually made by professionals, but you can also make smaller alterations yourself. Please refer to the division of responsibilities table and the How to renovate your home section for more instructions.

The holder of the right of occupancy who has made or commissioned the alteration is responsible for maintenance. The alterations for which the resident is responsible are specified in writing in the right-of-occupancy contract. If the alteration is damaged for reasons beyond Avain’s or the resident’s control, Avain is liable for any repair costs only up to the original level that preceded the alteration.