Picking up keys
There are three options for how you can receive the keys to your new apartment.
- Pick your key up from our service center
- Authorize someone else to pick up your key on your behalf
- Get keys directly from previous tenant with handing over the keys agreement
You must always have an official, valid photo ID with you when you pick up the key (passport, personal identity card or driver’s license).
Pick up the key from our service center
If your tenancy agreement begins the first day of the month, you can pick up your key and move in according to the chart below.
Keys can’t be picked up on weekends or public holidays. If your tenancy agreement begins on weekend or holiday, you can pick up the key and begin to move in on the next business day between 10 am to 4 pm. If you wish, you can pick up the keys on a later date during our service center opening hours.
If your tenancy agreement begins in the middle of the month, you can pick up the keys to your new home the day before your tenancy agreement begins. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays our service center is open from 12 noon to 4 pm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we serve by appointment with matters regarding keys. Make an appointment by calling our customer service.
If you get a message from us about picking up the key, follow the instructions of that message.
Key to new property
If you are moving into a building that has just been finished, you’ll get separate instructions on when you can move in and pick up your key by email about two weeks before your tenancy agreement begins.
Can I get the keys earlier?
If the previous tenant has returned the key beforehand, you may get the key the day before your tenancy agreement begins. Contact our customer service if you would like us to notify you if the key is returned early. Please note, that we can’t make estimations for when the key will be returned, and we don’t ask that information from tenants that are moving out.
Authorize someone to get the keys on your behalf
Make a written authorization. Easiest way is to use our authorization letter template. Other kinds of written authorizations are acceptable as well. Make sure that the authorization letter has:
- Your full name, date of birth, and personal identity code
- Full name, date of birth, and personal identity code of the authorized person
- Signature and date
Email the signed authorization before the key pick up to customerservice@hoas.fi or give it to the person coming to pick up the keys. The person picking up the key must prove their identity with an official photo ID.
A tenant under legal age (18) can’t authorize someone to pick up the keys on their behalf. However, the caretaker of the under-aged person can make the authorization.
Download the authorization letter template here:
Agreement on handing over the keys
With the handing over the keys agreement, you can get the keys directly from the previous tenant. If the previous tenant has given their permission to forward their contact information, you will find their contact details on the apartment offer. Contact the previous tenant directly, agree on the handing over the keys, and fill the agreement together.
Things to remember about handing over the keys agreement:
- By signing the agreement, you accept the cleaning level of the apartment or the room in a shared apartment. Sign the agreement only after seeing your new home.
- Keys to parking lots or parking permits should not be given to the new tenant, but returned to Hoas. Don’t accept these items from the previous tenant.
- Keep a copy of the handing over the keys agreement and print out a confirmation of your tenancy agreement. It is recommended to carry these with you until your tenancy agreement officially begins so you can get into your apartment in case you forget your keys inside. If you forget keys inside, call the door-opening service.
Download here the handing over the key agreement: