Clearing the Estate's Home: Timeline, Rights and Practical Tips

When must the home be cleared?

Clearing the estate's home is one of the most emotionally demanding practical tasks after a loved one's death. The timeline depends on the type of housing tenure.

Rental apartment

Under section 46 of the Residential Leases Act, since 1 October 2026:

• If the deceased rented the apartment alone and no family member lived there, the tenancy ends automatically two months after the end of the calendar month in which the landlord learned of the death. The estate can continue the tenancy by notifying the landlord in writing before the end date.
• The estate can always terminate the lease with one month's notice, regardless of the terms of the agreement. Notice is given in writing, and the period starts from the last day of the month in which notice is given.
• If a family member lived in the apartment or there were two tenants, the tenancy does not end automatically and the resident can continue it.
• The landlord may move belongings left behind after the tenancy ends (section 46 a), so clear the apartment in time or agree a schedule in writing.

Owner-occupied home

An owner-occupied home can be cleared at the shareholders' schedule. There is no rush, but keep in mind:

• Housing charges continue to accrue – it is advisable to carry out the clearance within a reasonable timeframe
• For selling the apartment, clearance must be done
• It is advisable to keep home insurance in effect during the clearance

Do not clear before the estate inventory

The value of personal property must be determined for the estate inventory. At least make a rough estimate and photograph valuable items before clearance.

Who decides about the belongings?

All estate shareholders decide about the estate's property together. This also applies to items that may seem mundane.

Basic rules

• An individual shareholder may not take belongings without the consent of others
• A will may contain directions about specific items
• If shareholders cannot agree, an estate administrator makes the decision
• Valuable items (art, jewellery, antiques) are listed separately in the estate inventory deed

Items of sentimental value

Dividing belongings often evokes emotions. Remember:

• Discuss your wishes openly
• Valuables can be divided by drawing lots
• Compromises are often better than disputes
• Photographs can be digitised so that everyone gets their own copy

Clearance steps

1. Initial survey

• Visit the apartment together with the shareholders
• Photograph the apartment and valuable items
• Check safe deposit boxes, safes, and hiding places
• List valuable items for the estate inventory

2. Collecting documents

Important documents are often found in the apartment:

• Will, insurance documents, banking papers
• Tax decisions and contracts
• Identity documents and passports
• Photographs and family documents

Collect all documents and deliver them to the estate administrator.

3. Sorting

Sort belongings into four groups:

1. To keep – items wanted by shareholders and memorabilia
2. To donate – items in good condition for charity
3. To sell – valuables, antiques, functioning appliances
4. To dispose of – broken and unusable items

4. Cleaning and returning keys

• Basic cleaning is sufficient in a rental apartment under normal circumstances
• Return keys to the landlord or housing company
• Conduct a move-out inspection with the landlord
• Notify the electricity and water companies of contract termination

Donating, selling, and disposing

Donation destinations

• Kontti recycling stores (Finnish Red Cross) – clothing, furniture, appliances
• UFF – clothing and shoes
• Salvation Army – a wide range of household items
• Local flea markets – smaller items
• Libraries – books and records

Sales channels

• Tori.fi and Facebook Marketplace – individual items
• Huutokaupat.com – antiques and valuables
• Estate sale – selling the entire contents at once
• Antique shops – valuable furniture and art

Disposal

• Municipal waste stations accept large items
• Electrical and electronic waste goes to WEEE collection
• Hazardous waste (paints, chemicals) goes to separate collection

Professional clearance service

If you do not have the time or energy, a professional clearance service handles everything for you.

Service content

• Sorting and packing belongings
• Directing recyclable items to beneficial use
• Transportation and disposal
• Final cleaning of the apartment

Price

• Studio apartment: 500–1,000 euros
• One-bedroom apartment: 1,000–2,000 euros
• Larger apartment: 2,000–3,000 euros
• The price is affected by the amount of belongings, location, and floor

Request quotes from several companies and check whether landfill fees are included in the price.

Read more about the estate administrator's duties and estate inventory documents.