A large number of Ukrainians have had to leave their homes empty and move abroad because of the war. Find out more about whether those who do not currently live at home have to pay utility bills

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

BUY

Many Ukrainians fled their homes in Ukraine because of the war and were forced to move abroad. At the same time, IDPs left their houses and apartments empty. However, utility bills continue to arrive, even if no one is currently living in the property. Do Ukrainians have to pay utility bills if they do not currently live in their homes - is described below with reference to RBK-Ukraine.

Utility bills: do you have to pay them when living abroad?

From the legal point of view, Ukrainian citizens who have moved abroad are obliged to continue paying utility bills accrued during the period of their absence from their homes. 

However, it is noted that citizens who have not lived in their own apartment or house for 30 days are entitled to recalculate the amount of debt. 

"The legislation allows for a reduction in the cost of utilities if no one has lived in the apartment or house for more than 30 days. The only exceptions are heating and apartment building management services," the lawyer explained. 

How to recalculate the amount of utility debt?

To recalculate the amount, you need to apply to the Utility Service Centre. The application must be accompanied by a document confirming the absence of the citizen from the home for a certain period of time. 

Such a document may be an IDP certificate, a medical treatment certificate or a military service certificate. 

After the application, the service provider will be obliged to recalculate the cost of garbage collection, as well as hot and cold water. 

Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok

Penalties for non-payment of utility bills in Ukraine

The current legislation of Ukraine provides for the following penalties for non-payment of utility bills:

● penalty charges;

● termination of utility services;

● eviction from the apartment/house and subsequent foreclosure on the property in accordance with applicable laws.

Who will not be fined for late payment of utility bills

In March 2022, the government banned the charging of penalties for late payment of utility bills. It is also noted that there is currently no provision for the termination of utility services to citizens with overdue payments. 

The Law of Ukraine identifies several groups of citizens who will not be fined in case of non-payment of utility bills:

● persons whose homes are located in the area of hostilities or in areas that have been or continue to be under occupation;

● internally displaced persons who have left the temporarily occupied territories or areas where hostilities are taking place.

It is noted that these conditions apply only to those debts that were accumulated after the outbreak of a full-scale war. 

Just a reminder. Military personnel may go abroad on holiday to visit their families during martial law. Under what circumstances a serviceman will be allowed to go abroad and what is required for this, please read here.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.