Major Changes Ahead for Apartment Buildings Without Formal Associations
Deputy Minister Natalia Kozlovska has unveiled key proposals for the draft 'Housing Stock Management Law.' Presented at the conference 'Housing Stock Management and Protection of War-Affected Populations: Challenges and Solutions within Housing Policy Reform,' the legislation will significantly alter how multi-apartment buildings without a Homeowners' Association (HOA) are run. This reform is part of Ukraine's broader post-war recovery efforts, aiming to modernize living conditions and property management.
Under the new rules, every multi-apartment building lacking an HOA will automatically establish a separate legal entity—a simple partnership of co-owners. This partnership will represent the interests of all property owners, with its founders being the owners of apartments and non-residential premises in the building. Natalia Kozlovska emphasized that
"this involves a new legal entity, which will be automatically created for each multi-apartment building without an HOA and will represent the interests of all co-owners."
The draft law also stipulates that the partnership of co-owners will hold legal title to the building itself, its auxiliary structures, and the land plot beneath it. This means the land under and around the building will be legally tied to the property and belong to its co-owners. Furthermore, both existing HOAs and the new partnerships will be classified as household consumers of utilities, simplifying residents' access to essential services like water and electricity.
Responsibilities of the Co-Owners' Partnership
Additionally, the legislation proposes clear and defined timelines for handing over new buildings after commissioning, which will include mandatory connection to all utilities. The duties of the co-owners' partnership will encompass:
- managing utility accounting, such as stairwell lighting and elevator operation;
- selecting a management model;
- entering into a contract with a building manager.
These measures are designed to ensure effective building management and improve residents' quality of life.
The changes introduced by the draft law are part of a wider housing policy reform, which also includes planned laws on social housing and housing stock management. On February 12, 2026, the President of Ukraine signed the 'Fundamentals of Housing Policy Law' to help implement these initiatives. The 'Housing Stock Management Law' aims to enhance living conditions for residents of multi-apartment buildings, particularly those without an HOA. Establishing a simple partnership of co-owners is expected to streamline building management and improve access to communal services. These reforms represent a significant step toward modernizing Ukraine's housing policy and ensuring greater transparency in residential governance.