How to obtain a housing certificate following an air strike

After her home was hit by an airstrike in October, Olena could no longer stay there. She and her family were forced to move and rent accommodation in another town, which had a significant impact on her financial situation.

In November 2025, Olena approached DRC lawyer Viktoriia for help in obtaining a housing certificate — one form of compensation for a home that had been completely destroyed.

With the lawyer’s support, she submitted details to the State Register of Real Property Rights via the Administrative Service Centre (ASC) and filed an application with the Register of Damaged and Destroyed Property to receive compensation for the purchase of new accommodation.

However, the Commission informed her that it was unable to inspect the destroyed house due to ongoing hostilities and advised her to consult an independent expert. The DRC lawyer supported Olena throughout this process as well — helping to arrange a consultation with a technical specialist and prepare the documents to apply for charitable assistance to cover the costs of the technical report.

After all the necessary documents were submitted, the Commission drew up an inspection report and approved the application for a housing certificate. Olena is currently looking for a new home for herself and her family.

DRC provides free legal aid in Sumy region thanks to funding by the European Union.