Migrants in Ukraine: Why Renting an Apartment Does Not Grant Ownership Rights

Increase in Migration and Conflicts Between Property Owners and Tenants

The increase in migration in Ukraine is leading to more conflicts between property owners and tenants, particularly regarding property rights. Lawyers emphasize that long-term residence in a rented apartment does not grant ownership rights without registration in the State Register of Property Rights. This issue becomes more pressing against the backdrop of the growing number of migrants seeking housing in Ukraine.

In Ukraine, the right to private property is protected by the Constitution. However, it is important to understand that a tenant does not acquire rights to the apartment through long-term rental. Property rights arise only after data is entered into the State Register of Property Rights. This means that even if a person has lived in an apartment for a long time or pays utility bills, they do not automatically gain ownership rights.

Judicial practice clearly rejects tenants' claims to property rights based on financing repairs or maintaining the apartment. As lawyer Maria Levchenko notes,

“the fact of residence or payment of utility expenses does not create any property rights.”

Recommendations for Apartment Owners

To avoid possible misunderstandings, apartment owners are advised to:

• check the tenant's documents;
• agree on living conditions;
• clarify sources of income;
• clearly document the terms for terminating the contract.

Adhering to these recommendations may help reduce the risks of conflicts and ensure peaceful legal relations between property owners and tenants.

The rise in migration in Ukraine, observed recently, underscores the necessity for clear regulation of legal relations between property owners and tenants. A clear understanding of legal frameworks and compliance with legal norms can significantly reduce the likelihood of conflicts, which are becoming more relevant in the context of a large number of people seeking housing. It is important that both tenants and owners are aware of their rights and obligations to ensure a stable rental market in Ukraine.