The aim of the provision of dwellings service is to help residents who are unable to provide housing for themselves or their family due to disability and/or socio-economic situation.

The provision of dwellings service is divided into two parts:

•      rental counselling and housing subsidy
•      social housing

Preferably, the City of Tallinn will assist residents in finding a dwelling on the free market and provide additional advice and support where necessary.

Find out more about municipal housing here.

Rental counselling and housing subsidy

The aim of the rental counselling and housing subsidy is to provide one-time assistance to people on low but stable incomes (e.g. low wages, work ability allowance, permanent incapacity for work pension, retirement pension, parental benefit) to find a dwelling on the rental market.

To receive rental advice and housing subsidy, it is compulsory to undergo budget and rental counselling provided by Tallinn Social Work Centre. Read more about budget counselling here.

Rental counselling assists people in using various real estate platforms, finding housing that fits their needs and budget, communicating with brokers and/or property owners, and in signing the lease if needed.

In addition to counselling, a one-time social benefit will also be provided to help cover (part of) the costs of renting a dwelling, such as one month's rent, deposit and broker's fees if needed. In 2025, the maximum amount is 900 euros per person or family. The final amount of the benefit will depend on the actual initial costs of renting.

Social housing

If the needs assessment shows that the person needs help finding a dwelling for themselves or for their family, and that the subsidy and counselling provided are insufficient, the Social Welfare Department may allocate a city-owned dwelling.

As of 1 May 2024, the procedure for allocating dwellings in Tallinn has changed to ensure that housing is provided to those who need it most within a reasonable timeframe. Read more about the new procedure for current tenants of municipal and social housing here.

Applying

To receive the provision of dwellings service, an applicant must go to the social welfare department of the district administration where they live to have their need for assistance assessed.

The need for the provision of dwellings service is assessed on the basis of the criteria laid down in the procedure for granting social welfare assistance. When assessing the economic situation of a person or family, the family income, savings (deposits) and real estate are taken into consideration.

The service is provided only if a housing problem has been identified.

The assessment of the need for assistance will determine whether the person's needs can be met by the rental counselling and housing subsidy or by providing social housing. If a person needs housing provided by City of Tallinn, they will be offered the first available dwelling that meets their reasonable needs. The city's dwellings are spread across Tallinn.

Social housing is allocated to a person/family for a period of up to three years. If the need for assistance has not changed, a new assessment of the need for assistance will be carried out to extend the lease if needed.

Offer of housing and acceptance terms

The Tallinn Welfare and Health Care Department decides on the allocation of social housing. The time it takes to receive housing depends on the availability of dwellings that meet the person's needs.

After receiving a housing offer, the applicant has 10 days to respond to the notice from their district administration. If an applicant fails to reply to the notice without valid reason or fails to provide documented evidence explaining why the dwelling does not meet their health-related needs, they will lose their right to the dwelling.

Once the offer of housing has been accepted, the applicant must sign the housing agreement within 30 days. If the applicant fails to sign the agreement within this period without a valid reason, they will lose their right to the dwelling.