Potential Dangers of the New Housing Policy Legislation
Expert Oleg Popenko has issued a warning about risks associated with a new housing policy law recently signed by the President. During a live broadcast on his YouTube channel, Oleg Popenko PRO, he expressed concern that the legislation could legitimize the seizure of auxiliary spaces in apartment buildings through appointed property managers. This development comes amid ongoing property rights challenges in Ukraine's housing sector.
Popenko pointed out that a scheme for property seizure has already been tested and implemented in the capital. This involves the takeover of common areas such as:
- basements
- attics
- shared common spaces
According to the expert, this property can be transferred into long-term leases to shell companies. Popenko emphasized that over the last 10 years, thousands of cases of property raiding have been recorded in Kyiv's apartment buildings. He noted that basements, which can be worth between half a million and a million dollars, have frequently been taken from owners unable to defend their rights.
“What's stopping this person from simply taking this property for themselves? Taking it or transferring it to someone else” – Oleg Popenko.
He also indicated that leases could be arranged for terms of up to 50 years, seriously jeopardizing owners' rights. “How many cases of raiding have been recorded in Kyiv over the last 10 years in apartment buildings? Thousands. Basements worth half a million to a million dollars were taken from people, simply signed over to some dubious management company on a 50-year lease,” the expert added.
A Call for Vigilance
Popenko urged citizens who might be affected by the new housing policy changes to exercise caution and remain vigilant. The law, intended to regulate housing matters, could have unforeseen consequences for apartment owners and their assets.
The enactment of the new housing policy law has raised concerns among experts and the public, as it may lead to new instances of property raiding in Ukraine. Given the existing problems with property rights, it is crucial that citizens are aware of potential risks and can protect their interests in conflicts with managers and shell companies. This issue requires attention from the state to prevent future abuses.