Streamlined Process for Deregistration
Lawyer Dmytro Holovko has announced that the procedure for deregistering individuals who no longer live in an owner's apartment has been simplified. Previously, a court decision was required, but now it is enough to submit an application to the Administrative Services Center (ASС).
This issue is particularly relevant for apartments built during the Soviet era or in the 1990s. In the past, owners could only remove unwanted residents through a court process that required official statements from housing maintenance offices or management companies confirming the person's absence from the property. As Holovko points out,
“The owner must come in person—or all owners, if there are several—and deregister those individuals who should no longer be living there.”
How the Updated Deregistration Works
The process has become much simpler today. To deregister someone, the apartment owner now only needs to visit an ASC and file a declaration that the registered person no longer resides at that address. It is important to note that Ukraine no longer uses the old 'propyska' (residence permit) system; instead, the country operates under a registration system.
“So we are talking about deregistration, to use the correct legal term,”Holovko explained.
Earlier, some ASCs would perform this procedure while others refused to offer the service. Now, almost all ASCs are prepared to help remove from the registration list people who do not live in the apartment. This can apply to:
- relatives registered in the apartment who moved out long ago;
- former spouses;
- adult children;
- acquaintances with whom the owner has not communicated in years.
Simplifying the deregistration of non-resident occupants marks a major step forward in cutting red tape in Ukraine. This change will likely benefit property owners by allowing them to resolve registration issues faster and with fewer expenses. However, it remains essential that all ASCs consistently apply the new rules to prevent potential misunderstandings in the future.
As the process for deregistering unregistered residents becomes more accessible, it is essential for apartment owners to stay informed about upcoming changes in property documentation. Starting in 2026, the technical passport will no longer serve as proof of ownership, which could further impact how property rights are managed in the country. Understanding these shifts can help owners navigate the evolving landscape of real estate regulations effectively.