Eviction During Wartime: How It's Still Possible in Ukraine.

Evictions Under Martial Law in Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: While the issue of eviction has become particularly sensitive during wartime, martial law does not provide complete immunity from the process. Eviction remains a last resort, requiring specific legal grounds and documented evidence. Ukrainian courts have adopted a more cautious approach, hearing such cases only in extreme situations where all other avenues have been exhausted.

New regulations mandate that eviction proceedings require written proof. By 2026, the procedure will involve a mandatory written notice to the individual facing eviction. If this notice is ignored, the property owner may then file a lawsuit. Crucially, only a state or private enforcement officer is legally authorized to carry out a forced eviction.

Grounds for Eviction

Ukrainian courts are currently overloaded, and cases can drag on for months. As Alla Neroda noted,

“eviction is a forced and extreme measure.”

Owners may seek eviction under the following circumstances:

• An individual occupies an apartment without the owner's consent;
• There is a lack of documentation proving the right of residence;
• Persistent conflicts, disturbances, or domestic violence occur;
• The property is used for purposes other than its intended residential function;
• Utility bills are chronically ignored and left unpaid.

These grounds can form the basis for an eviction demand, but each case requires thorough review and appropriate evidence.

Thus, despite the country's difficult situation, property owners' rights remain protected, though enforcing them may demand considerable effort and time. The legal landscape reflects a balance between protecting property rights and acknowledging the humanitarian crisis caused by the war. This tension means that while the right to evict exists, the process is deliberately slow and complex, ensuring it is not used arbitrarily against vulnerable populations.

Given the martial law context in Ukraine, eviction matters carry added weight as many people face severe hardship. It is vital for property owners to have avenues to protect their rights, yet the new rules establish additional procedural hurdles. This is likely to prolong the resolution of disputes, as courts are already contending with a massive caseload.