Ukrainians may no longer have to pay for utilities: who is entitled.

Ukrainians were told who is entitled not to pay for utility services.

Lawyer Anna Daniel stated that residents of temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine need to consider special circumstances when paying for utility services. If a person is not actually using such services, they may not be obligated to pay for them.

According to lawyer Anna Daniel, the main criterion is the actual provision of utility services. Often in occupied territories, the infrastructure is damaged, or control over these territories is lost, which limits or completely stops the provision of utilities.

Since many residents of such territories cannot receive utility services, they may not have legal grounds for payment.

Despite the suspension of service delivery, the debt billing system may continue to operate. However, it is important to remember that Ukrainian legislation is not fully applicable in occupied territories, so the legality of debt billing is a controversial issue.

It should also be taken into account that the occupying authorities may establish their own payment systems, complicating the legal aspect of indebtedness.

Ukraine has special legal mechanisms to protect the interests of citizens living in occupied territories or who have been forced to leave their homes.

In particular, the state provides the opportunity to:

• receive benefits;
• apply for payment deferral;
• restructure debts.

If you have property in a temporarily occupied territory, the calculation of utility debts may be halted. Also, utility services are often not provided at all in such territories.

If you own property in occupied territories or in the combat zone but do not reside there, you must provide utility service providers with documents confirming your absence. This may be a certificate of displaced person status or another official document confirming your place of residence.

The expert warns that new tariffs for utility services may significantly complicate the financial situation of Ukrainians.