Systematic non-payment of housing and communal services in Belarus is not just a risk of being left without light or water, but also a real prospect of losing one's roof over one's head. Lawyer Evgeny Kurnasenko of the Gomel Regional Bar Association explained the peculiarities of the eviction procedure for property owners who are deliberate non-payers.

The expert emphasized that deprivation of the right to ownership is an extreme, forced measure that the state takes only when all other ways of influencing the debtor have been exhausted.

When does the real risk arise?

According to Article 137 of the Housing Code of the Republic of Belarus, the procedure for evicting a residential premises may be initiated if the owner fails to pay housing and communal services (ЖКУ) and electricity for a consecutive period of 6 months without reasonable cause.

Under this, the law protects citizens who find themselves in a truly difficult life situation. Reasonable causes for non-payment may include:

• severe illness or prolonged hospitalization;
• unforeseen job loss or layoff;
• other complex material or family circumstances.

It should be noted that

The apartment is put up for public auction and sold at market value. All debts for housing and communal services, accrued penalties, as well as the costs of organizing and conducting the auction itself, are deducted first from the proceeds of the sale. The entire remaining amount is paid in full to the former owner, who is now forced to resolve their housing situation independently.

Lawyers remind that letting the situation go to court is extremely disadvantageous. At the first signs of financial difficulties, citizens are advised to immediately apply to the calculation and reference centers (RSCs) to conclude an agreement on debt repayment in installments.