On April 14, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed legislation that exempts owners of damaged or destroyed housing from utility payments during the restoration period. This measure aims to address financial burdens faced by property owners affected by the ongoing conflict.
The law, detailed in bill No. 13155 on the Ukrainian Parliament’s website, stipulates that owners will not be liable for management fees associated with multi-apartment buildings if their properties have been rendered uninhabitable due to damage or destruction. This provision is particularly relevant in the context of damage caused by military actions, terrorist acts, or sabotage linked to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
“The purpose of the bill is to regulate the issue of exempting property owners from payment for management services in cases of damage or destruction that prevents further use of the property during the restoration period,” the explanatory note states.
According to the legislation, the basis for waiving utility payments will be a commission inspection report that documents the extent of damage as well as the dates of destruction and restoration. This report will serve as a foundation for:
- Suspending or resuming utility charges and subscriber services;
- Adjusting or recalculating payments for housing services based on decisions made by co-owners;
- Ceasing utility charges for individuals whose properties have been destroyed and are beyond recovery;
- Halting property tax payments, excluding land tax, until a relevant decision is made in accordance with the provisions of Articles 12 and 266 of the Ukrainian Tax Code.
“During the state of war and for one year following its conclusion, utility charges will take into account the circumstances of damage or destruction of real estate in a manner to be established in the final provisions of the Law of Ukraine on Housing and Utility Services,” the explanatory note adds.
The law also seeks to clarify the rights of homeowners associations (OSBB) and housing cooperatives (ЖБК) regarding the management of contributions. Specifically, it allows for the possibility of adjusting payment amounts or completely exempting owners whose properties have been destroyed.
These regulations will remain in effect throughout the duration of martial law and for one additional year thereafter.
The new Ukrainian law provides relief to property owners affected by the war, exempting them from utility payments during restoration. This measure aims to alleviate financial pressures and clarify management rights for homeowners associations.