Property ownership is inviolable, but in some cases, people can still be evicted for debts on utilities, as told by aif.ru lawyer Alexander Zorin.
“According to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, private property is inviolable and you cannot be evicted from privatized housing for non-payment of bills,” the expert clarified. “However, you can be evicted from municipal or communal housing. This can be done under articles 90 and 91 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation. It is done through legal proceedings, and as judicial practice shows, it happens quite rarely.”
Additionally, when evicting someone, they are entitled to provide the individual with alternative housing or compensation, the expert added.
“There need to be substantial reasons for eviction, and one of them is debts for communal services amounting to at least six months,” Zorin noted. “Furthermore, according to article 105 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, even if you are evicted for debts on utilities, you have the right to receive other housing. Moreover, before filing a lawsuit against you, they are required to inform you in writing. However, even eviction does not absolve you of debts for utilities.”
However, the expert clarified that a person cannot be evicted if the housing is their only residence. They also cannot be evicted if there are minors present. The rights of children are protected by guardianship authorities and courts typically rule in favor of the family.
“Of course, it is better not to let the matter go to court and to make timely payments for utilities – at least partially,” the lawyer added. “If the matter has already gone to court, try to provide evidence that you had valid reasons for the late payments: prolonged delays in salary, illness, loss of job, and the like. All of this should be documented.”