The Hidden Dangers of Renting Directly from Owners in Ukraine.

The Rise of Direct-to-Owner Rentals

According to TSN.ua: In Ukraine, there is a growing trend of rental listings marked 'without intermediaries,' as tenants seek to cut costs. While this approach aims to save money, it carries significant legal and financial risks that renters should be aware of. The Ukrainian rental market remains active, but navigating it without professional help requires extra caution.

The 'no intermediary' label indicates a desire to avoid agent commissions. However, realtor Sviatoslav Mohyliak warns that 99% of agency listings with this note are outdated or inactive.

"In 99% of cases, agency advertisements with this note are no longer relevant." — Sviatoslav Mohyliak

This situation can lead to scenarios where the person offering the property for rent is not the legitimate owner, creating complex legal issues.

Tax Obligations and Associated Risks

Under Ukrainian law, property owners must pay taxes on rental agreements with individuals, while tenants are responsible for taxes if renting from a legal entity or a private entrepreneur. In direct rental deals, it is crucial to clearly establish who bears these tax liabilities.

Despite the negative impact of attacks on thermal power plants, the number of rental listings in Kyiv has remained nearly the same as last year. This indicates a resilient rental market, yet the risks associated with direct deals are increasing.

The primary problems that can arise with this rental method include:

• Legal vulnerability,
• Lack of proper document verification,
• Market volatility risks.

Tenants can easily fall into traps if they fail to thoroughly check the terms of an agreement. Experts strongly advise exercising heightened diligence when selecting rental housing.

This trend shows Ukrainians are trying to reduce living expenses, but it's vital to understand that such savings can lead to serious complications. When choosing housing without an agent, extreme caution is necessary, as legal matters may go unresolved. The active rental market demonstrates ongoing demand, but it also requires a careful and informed approach to any transaction.