What to Do If Your Apartment Was Not Damaged but the Building Has Been Declared Unsafe

During the war, many apartment buildings in Ukraine have been damaged as a result of shelling. Even if an individual apartment appears undamaged, the entire building may be declared unsafe. In such a situation, a natural question arises: what should you do next, and what rights does the owner or tenant have?

Why a Building May Be Declared Unsafe Even If an Apartment Is Intact

The decision on emergency conditions is made not for individual flats, but for the building as a whole. The grounds for this may be:

1. damage to load-bearing walls, floors or foundations;
2. disruption of the building's stability after an explosion;
3. risk of collapse or further destruction;
4. conclusion of a technical examination about the dangerous condition of structures.

Therefore, even if an apartment appears undamaged, living in such a building may be officially prohibited due to the threat to life.

What the Decision Means for Residents

If a building is declared unsafe and subject to resettlement, this means that living in the building is considered dangerous. Residents must leave the premises, either temporarily or permanently. The building may be subject to major repairs, reconstruction, or demolition, and the further use of apartments is restricted or prohibited.

Even if your apartment has not been damaged, the resettlement decision is mandatory for all residents of the building.

What Happens After the Building Is Declared Unsafe and a Resettlement Decision Is Made

Residents should be offered:

1. temporary accommodation (housing stock, dormitories, social housing);
2. permanent accommodation – depending on the community's available resources;
3. financial assistance – temporary financial support for citizens to rent accommodation, provided for the period of major repairs to their homes.

The following factors are taken into account:

1. family composition;
2. number of persons;
3. sanitary and housing standards.

What Rights the Owner or Tenant Has

Residents of an emergency building have a number of guaranteed rights:

1. the right to safe living conditions;
2. the right to relocation in case of a threat to life and health;
3. the right to be provided with alternative housing or temporary accommodation;
4. the right to compensation or participation in restoration programmes, depending on the decision regarding the building.

Where to Apply

First, you should contact:

1. local government (city or town council);
2. housing and utilities department;
3. social protection department;
4. administrative services centre.

These bodies are responsible for organising resettlement and providing housing assistance.

What Documents May Be Required

Usually, you need to prepare:

1. passport and identification code;
2. documents proving ownership or right to use the flat;
3. certificate of family composition;
4. decision or certificate recognising the building as unsafe;
5. application for resettlement or provision of housing.

What to Do If You Disagree with the Decision or Assistance Is Not Provided

If delays or refusals occur, residents have the right to submit a written statement or complaint to local authorities, appeal to a higher authority or military administration, seek free legal assistance, or go to court to protect their right to housing and security.