Verkhovna Rada Passes Law Exempting Residents from Utility Bills for Damaged or Destroyed Homes

On March 25, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Draft Law No. 13155, introducing new rules for calculating utility bills for people whose property was damaged or destroyed due to russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.

Affected Ukrainians will no longer have to pay for services that are not actually provided and cannot be used.

Here are the key details

The law applies to all real estate (residential and non-residential premises) destroyed since February 24, 2022.

Mechanisms of Implementation

Special rules apply during martial law and for two years after its termination:

• If a property is completely destroyed and cannot be restored, utility billing will be suspended.
  
• If a property is damaged, unfit for habitation or other use, or poses a safety risk, utility charges will not be assessed for the entire period of repair or restoration. This also applies to necessary repairs in public areas required for safe access or use of the premises.

Inspections will be conducted by the executive bodies of local councils or military administrations. These bodies must notify the following entities: tax authorities, utility service providers, building managers, housing cooperatives, and homeowners’ associations, which serve as the basis for suspending utility charges and recalculating payments.

The notification to utility service providers and building managers must specify:

• The fact and date of property damage or destruction.
  
• The fact and date of completion of repairs, including the date from which the property can be safely used again.

Notifications must be sent within 30 working days from the date of destruction or damage. For properties damaged or destroyed between February 24, 2022, and the law’s effective date, the same procedure applies, but without time limits.

For homeowners’ associations, exemption from payment for housing services is approved by a meeting of the co-owners.

Steps to Take if an Inspection Is Not Conducted

If the responsible authorities have not conducted an inspection, affected individuals may initiate the process themselves by submitting a written request to the relevant local council or military administration requesting an inspection. Inform utility service providers and your building manager about the damage or destruction. Attach supporting materials such as photos, videos, reports, or witness statements. This may allow for a temporary suspension or adjustment of utility charges. If authorities do not respond or fail to act, contact the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, who can initiate inspections and help restore your rights. The lack of an inspection does not remove your right to a fair recalculation or to protect your interests.

Recalculations of utility charges will occur after a re-inspection confirms that the property can be safely used again.

The government is required to develop a mechanism for restructuring debts incurred after February 24, 2022. Under these conditions, the forced collection of debts for the period of temporary occupation is prohibited until it is verified separately.

In February, East SOS contributed proposals to the Verkhovna Rada committee regarding pension payments for displaced persons.