How to save on housing costs

How Can You Influence Shared Costs and Rent?

In many rental and right-of-occupancy properties, expenses such as heating, waste management, and the use of common areas are shared among residents. If the total property costs are kept under control, it can mean more moderate rent increases or lower maintenance fees.

Heating

Heating is usually included in the rent or maintenance fee, and residents cannot adjust the base temperature themselves. Still, you can prevent heat loss by keeping windows and doors properly closed and using curtains or rugs as insulation. If your apartment has radiators, avoid keeping them on full unnecessarily.

Waste Management and Recycling

Mixed waste is the most expensive. Recycle glass, metal, cardboard, and biowaste, which are often cheaper or free for the housing company. Avoid leaving large items in the waste area without prior agreement. Extra pickups increase costs for everyone. Think about how you can reduce waste already when making purchases: less packaging = less mixed waste.

Common Areas and Maintenance

Use the laundry room and sauna during your reserved times and clean up after yourself. Extra cleaning costs often affect all residents. Report small faults early to avoid unnecessary maintenance expenses. You can also do minor repairs yourself, like oiling hinges or tightening screws.

How to Save Directly from Your Own Wallet

Many housing-related costs come directly out of your pocket, whether you pay rent or a maintenance fee. These are areas where your choices make a difference.

Electricity

• Switch to LED bulbs—they use only a fraction of the electricity compared to incandescent ones.
• Turn off lights and devices when not in use. A power strip with a switch is an easy way to avoid standby power consumption.
• Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when full, and avoid using a dryer if air-drying is possible.

Water

• Shorten shower time: a five-minute shower saves liters of water compared to a fifteen-minute one.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or doing dishes.

Contracts and Insurance

• Compare electricity contracts: prices vary greatly depending on consumption habits and market conditions.
• Check your home insurance price. Insurance companies often offer discounts if you have multiple policies with them.

Utilize Support

• Check your eligibility for Kela’s general housing allowance—many students and low-income earners qualify.

Small everyday actions can lead to surprisingly large savings over time. By regularly reviewing your housing costs and turning changes into habits, savings will start to accumulate almost unnoticed. And you'll have more money left for other aspects of life.