How to apply for senior housing? Clear application criteria and accessible Varke senior apartments in Tampere and Turku
Topic: apartment application
Housing guides and criteria
A suitable home makes everyday life safe and stable as you age. When the living environment is designed to be accessible from the outset, many daily challenges are eased. An accessible home has no high thresholds that pose tripping hazards, and doorways are wide enough to move effortlessly with a rollator or other mobility aids. An accessible home supports the resident's independence and self-reliance for as long as possible.
In the Tampere and Turku regions and their surrounding municipalities, modern rental apartments designed for seniors are available. Central locations and carefully planned spatial layouts make life easier. State-subsidized apartments are in particularly high demand, with resident selection subject to statutory criteria based on the applicant's life situation, income, and housing need.
What are Varke senior apartments and who are they intended for?
Varke apartments are state-subsidized rental homes whose resident selection complies with statutory regulations. The abbreviation Varke refers to the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (Varke), which replaced the former Housing Fund of Finland (ARA) starting in March 2025. These homes provide affordable, secure, and high-quality living. In senior properties, spaces are specifically designed to support functional capacity and ease daily chores.
Most properties designated as YH Kodit senior rental housing are intended for residents aged 63 and older. Meanwhile, some of our newer senior properties are not subject to such age or wealth limits, having an age recommendation of over 55. In state-subsidized senior apartments, resident selection is influenced by the applicant's housing need, income level, and assets. These criteria ensure that homes are directed to those who need them most.
Official resident selection limits
Maximum income limits apply to some state-subsidized rental apartments. For example, in a single-person household, gross income can be at most 3,540 euros per month. When assessing assets, the applicant household's total combined wealth is considered, such as real estate, housing shares, and savings, minus any debts.
According to guidelines from the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (Varke), wealth is evaluated at its fair market value at the time of application. If the applicant has sufficient assets to acquire an accessible apartment meeting their needs on the non-subsidized market without state support, this may affect their eligibility. These criteria ensure that public support is targeted to those who need it most.
How does the application process for an accessible senior apartment proceed?
Applying for an accessible apartment is straightforward. With a little preparation, you can ensure that all necessary attachments and details are ready for decision-making. The application process generally proceeds as follows:
1. Completing the application
Fill out an electronic housing application on the YH Kodit website. You can add multiple properties of interest to the application at once. Describe your current housing situation and clearly justify the need for an accessible home.
2. Submitting attachments
For resident selection, you will need verification of household income and assets, such as a pension statement and a pre-completed tax return with specification pages. For properties applying specific criteria, a statement from a physician or healthcare and social services professional on the need for senior or accessible housing is also required.
3. Reviewing the housing offer and viewing the home
When an apartment matching your wishes becomes available, we will send you a written housing offer. The offer does not commit you to anything yet; you will get to view the new home on site before signing the lease agreement.
In senior properties, the main focus is on effortless everyday life. Typical features of an accessible apartment include solutions such as:
When the time is right to transition to easier living, you can explore the available properties in more detail. You can easily find available and open senior apartments on our website. On the site, you can explore offerings across different areas and submit a housing application online right away.
Different senior housing options at YH Kodit
Our diverse offering covers different life situations and preferences. When searching for a new, easy, and accessible home, you can choose between our two main forms of rental housing or explore the opportunities offered by right-of-occupancy (ASO) apartments.
1. State-subsidized Varke senior apartments (for over 63s)
These apartments are primarily aimed at individuals who have turned 63 and have a medical or social need for accessible housing. Because these are state-subsidized homes, resident selection follows statutory regulations evaluating the applicant's housing need, income, and assets. In this case, an account of health status or a healthcare and social services statement regarding the need for senior housing must be attached to the application.
2. Our newer senior rental apartments (for over 55s)
If you want to anticipate future years or are looking for an accessible home without strict criteria, our newer senior rental homes are an excellent choice. These properties are not subject to statutory income or asset restrictions, nor do they require statements regarding housing need. The recommended age for these apartments is over 55, making them a flexible option for active seniors.
3. Right-of-occupancy apartments (ASO senior apartments)
Right-of-occupancy living is a stable and secure option between renting and owning. You pay an initial right-of-occupancy fee (15% of the apartment's acquisition cost) and a monthly residence fee during occupancy. In our ASO senior properties, the age limit is usually 55. To apply for a right-of-occupancy apartment, you will need a queue number from the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (Varke).
Ease of living and daily functionality in senior properties
The starting point for designing our senior properties is always the resident's smooth everyday life. Located in the Tampere and Turku regions, these accessible homes provide the opportunity for independent living along good transport links. With grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare services close by, daily errands can be managed effortlessly on foot or with mobility aids when needed.
The functionality of our buildings is reflected in small yet important everyday details. Elevator access directly from the main entrance to residential floors saves energy and makes carrying groceries easier. Many of our properties also feature communal lounge and club rooms that provide a natural setting to meet neighbors, adding a pleasant sense of community to living.
Contract terms and flexibility: What is good to know before moving?
Once a suitable home is found, the next step is signing the lease agreement. In YH Kodit rental apartments, agreement terms are clear, fair, and secure. Flexibility is essential, as life situations and service needs can change quickly as one ages.
Our lease agreements are open-ended without a mandatory fixed-term commitment for the first year. This provides peace of mind and flexibility for the resident, as you can vacate the apartment flexibly if your life situation changes, without worrying about contract penalties or other extra costs.
Our agreement terms are clear and easily predictable. The security deposit equals only one month's rent, which simplifies financial planning during the moving phase. The termination notice period for the lease is one calendar month, calculated from the end of the month during which the written or electronic notice of termination is submitted.
Getting settled and enjoying everyday comfort are also enhanced by several practical benefits:
Pets are cherished family members and life companions for many, and they are warmly welcome in all our homes. Staying in touch with loved ones and using digital services is effortless, as a ready-to-use 50 Mbps broadband connection is included in the rent. This saves you from comparing broadband subscriptions and dealing with unnecessary contract hassles.
A safe and carefree future in your own home
Choosing the right home improves quality of life and brings peace of mind. When the living environment is designed to be secure and accessible, time and energy are saved for meaningful activities, spending time together, and hobbies. Modern Varke senior apartments and our other accessible rental homes across the Tampere and Turku regions enable an independent and self-sufficient life far into the future.
A reliable housing partner
Find your new home at YH Kodit
We reliably provide flexible and long-term housing solutions. Our diverse portfolio includes modern rental and right-of-occupancy (ASO) apartments as well as new owner-occupied homes. Through the Oma YH Kodit portal, you can electronically manage agreement matters, payment details, and other notifications. Our expert customer service assists with all housing questions, from key pick-up and parking space reservations to maintenance inquiries and water billing.
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Are there YH Kodit apartments located along the tram route?
Tampere is a city with great public transport links, and thanks to the expanding tram network, getting around is becoming even easier. There are currently 352 YH Kodit apartments located along the tram route! New YH Kodit apartments and tram lines are already being planned, so in the future, both rental apartments and right-of-occupancy homes will continue to be within easy reach of public transportation.