Why are apartment building doors always closed in Finland? 

Moving into a Finnish apartment building can come with a few surprises. For many international students, living in Finland means getting used to new housing practices, from secure entrance doors to strict fire safety rules. One of the first things many newcomers notice is that apartment building entrance doors are almost always closed.  

One of the first things many newcomers notice when living in Finland is that apartment building entrance doors are rarely left open. Residents are expected to make sure exterior doors close properly after entering or leaving the building. 

Keeping the entrance door closed helps prevent unauthorised access and makes shared spaces safer for everyone. It also reduces the risk of theft, vandalism and other disturbances. While leaving a door open for neighbours or visitors may be common elsewhere, Finnish apartment buildings typically rely on controlled access to maintain security. 

If you’re expecting guests, it’s best to let them in when they arrive rather than leaving the entrance door open for an extended period. 

Many students are surprised to discover that the same key can open more than just their apartment door. Depending on the property, your key may also provide access to shared facilities such as laundry rooms, storage areas, bicycle storage and other common spaces. This makes daily life easier while maintaining building security. 

Some Hoas properties use modern electronic locking systems, such as iLOQ. These systems allow access rights to be managed digitally, making key administration more secure and efficient.  

In Finland, stairwells and hallways are considered important emergency access routes. For this reason, personal belongings should not be stored in shared passageways, even temporarily. 

Bicycles, furniture, moving boxes, sports equipment and other items can make evacuation more difficult in an emergency. Clear passageways also help emergency personnel move through the building quickly if needed. 

Hoas properties use different locking systems. Some buildings have traditional mechanical locks, while others use electronic iLOQ systems. Depending on the property, your key may provide access to shared facilities such as laundry rooms, storage areas and bicycle storage. 

When moving in, make sure you familiarise yourself with the instructions for your specific property. This will help you understand how the locking system works and where to get assistance if you experience problems with your key or access rights. 

Hoas provides instructions forkey collection and returns before and after your tenancy. The process may vary depending on the property and the locking system in use.  

When moving in, make sure you follow the instructions sent by Hoas and collect your keys from the designated location. When moving out, all keys must be returned according to Hoas guidelines. 

If your key suddenly stops working, first check that you’re using the correct key and that the lock is not blocked or damaged. If the lock seems to be broken, contact your property’s janitor. On weekends, you can get help from Securitas door opening service. 

It’s a good idea to save your property’s maintenance and resident service contact details on your phone when you move in. That way you’ll know exactly who to contact if a problem occurs. 

If you share your home with a partner or family member, you may need an additional key. At Hoas, tenants of studio apartments, two-room apartments and family apartments can order an extra key for a fee. The service is not available for shared apartments or exchange student apartments. 

For security reasons, residents are not allowed to make copies of keys themselves. 

Losing a key can be stressful, but it’s important to act quickly. If your key is lost or stolen, report it as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, the key may need to be replaced and the lock may need to be rekeyed to ensure the safety of all tenants. 

Understanding how apartment buildings work is just one part of settling into your new home. From keys and laundry rooms to recycling and sauna bookings, Hoas offers guidance to help you navigate everyday student life in Finland. 

Find more tips and practical information in our resident guides.