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Extension of social housing lease requires a new needs assessment

Extension of social housing lease requires a new needs assessment

As of May 1, 2024, Tallinn updated its procedure for allocating municipal housing to ensure that housing is provided to those who need it most within a reasonable timeframe. Municipal housing is a temporary support measure designed to assist residents and their families facing difficulties for a specific period.

Housing owned by the city and made available for residents is divided into two categories: social housing and municipal housing. The purpose of updating the procedure was to streamline and modernize the principles of allocation.

Under the current procedure, municipal housing is allocated to three target groups:
  • Residents in need of social assistance, whose needs have been assessed by the social welfare department of their district;
  • Essential workers for the city (e.g., employees of city-managed cultural institutions, teachers, doctoral students, bus and tram drivers, firefighters, police officers, doctors, and nurses);
  • People requiring temporary housing due to emergencies that render their current home uninhabitable.

The right to use municipal housing is also maintained for displaced tenants, provided they meet the terms of their lease agreement. Social and municipal housing leases are generally concluded for up to three years (with the exception of displaced tenants, whose leases can last up to five years).

Social Housing

Social housing is part of the city’s social services, provided to residents who cannot secure housing due to their socioeconomic situation or disability.

Social housing is allocated after a comprehensive needs assessment by the district's social welfare department, which determines eligibility for housing assistance. If the resident’s needs change and they no longer qualify, their right to use social housing ends.

Social housing is provided for a maximum of three years, after which a new needs assessment is conducted.

If a resident currently living in social housing receives a notice about the end of their lease but remains eligible, they must undergo a new needs assessment to extend the lease. Residents must initiate the process by contacting the social welfare department of their district administration.

Municipal Housing

Municipal housing is provided to essential city workers and individuals requiring temporary housing due to emergencies such as a fire or other incidents. Municipal housing is allocated for a maximum of three years.

As of January 1, 2025, 4,576 of the 4,875 municipal housing units owned or managed by the city are under lease agreements. Currently, 590 individuals are on the waiting list for municipal housing.

For more information about the municipal housing allocation procedure and answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.tallinn.ee/et/tallinna-linna-eluruumide-kasutusse-andmine-alates-1-maist-2024.

Information about applying for social housing is available at www.tallinn.ee/et/teenused/sotsiaaleluase.