Transfer of standard tenant selection for City of Helsinki rental apartments to Heka under preparation – decision to be made in autumn 2026

The aim is to create a more integrated approach to the marketing, tenant selection and leasing of rental apartments and to make affordable homes available more efficiently to Helsinki residents who need them.

Under the current proposal, most tenant selection for the City’s rental apartments, known as standard tenant selection, would be transferred to Heka. If the transfer takes place, tenant selections would continue to be made in accordance with legislation, central government guidelines and the principles approved by the City Board. Based on the preparations so far, there are no plans to change the tenant selection criteria or the order of priority among applicants.

“Affordable homes are an essential part of a well-functioning and vibrant Helsinki. By managing standard tenant selection, leasing and apartment marketing as an integrated whole, we can provide a smoother service for housing applicants, make vacant homes available more quickly to those who need them and reduce the time apartments remain vacant,” says Maria Aspala, CEO of Heka.

Services for applicants requiring special support would remain with the City

The City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Division would continue to be responsible for tenant selection for special groups and for selections based on assessments by the Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Division.

The Urban Environment Division would also retain responsibility for the supervision of tenant selection. Heka and the City would maintain a shared overview, particularly of how the tenant selection principles are being implemented, efforts to prevent homelessness and segregation, and the housing needs of special groups.

“A successful transition requires close cooperation between Heka, the Urban Environment Division and other City actors. Through joint preparation, we will ensure that tenant selection continues to be fair and transparent and supports the housing needs of Helsinki residents,” says Oscar Ailio, Housing Services Manager at the City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Division.

Preparations will continue together with personnel

At this stage, the transfer is estimated to affect approximately ten positions if implemented. The impact on personnel will be specified in more detail during cooperation and transfer negotiations. If a decision is made to proceed with the transfer, personnel would transfer in accordance with the principles governing a transfer of business.

The possible transfer of the function requires political decision-making by the City and an amendment to the City’s Administrative Regulations. The matter is expected to be considered by the Urban Environment Committee, the City Board and the City Council in autumn 2026. Heka’s Board of Directors will also consider whether Heka will take over the function.

The possible transfer of tenant selection to Heka could take place no earlier than approximately six months after the City’s decision. A more detailed timetable will be determined as the decision-making process and further preparations progress.

At this stage, the preparations do not affect the housing application process and require no action from housing applicants. Tenant selection and the processing of applications will continue as before for the time being.