You can avoid paying utility bills: who it concerns and under what conditions.

Ukrainians have been informed about the circumstances under which they can avoid paying for utilities during martial law.

According to the Law of Ukraine 'On Housing and Communal Services' No. 2189-VIII, Ukrainians can legally avoid paying for utilities under certain circumstances specified by legislation.

As reported by Sociportal, lawyer Oleksandr Posternak from the 'SpivDiya' fund explained that consumers can avoid payment for utilities (with the exception of centralized heating and natural gas distribution) if they did not use the services due to temporary absence from the residence for more than 30 calendar days, and this absence is documented.

Here are the documents that can serve as proof of absence:

• Internally Displaced Person Certificate
• Military documents if the person is serving
• Medical certificates regarding treatment
• Other official documents confirming absence.

During martial law, a special condition applies: if a person has incurred utility debts after February 24, 2022, and their residence is located in a combat zone or on occupied territory, these debts are prohibited from collection. This rule remains in effect until the end of hostilities or the de-occupation of the territory.

If the housing was destroyed due to the war and utility services are not provided, there is no need to pay for them - charges are not applied.

However, it is worth noting that this rule does not exempt from paying old utility debts that existed before the martial law was declared (before February 24, 2022). These debts remain valid and must be settled.

Utility providers have the right to seek court enforcement for debt collection in case of late payment. Court proceedings in such cases are conducted in an expedited manner, which may lead to the arrest of bank accounts or property of the debtor.

If you are entitled to exemption from paying utility services, you need to gather all necessary documents and officially notify the companies providing these services.

It is better to take these actions immediately to avoid future problems with incorrect billing.

Earlier, it was reported that utility tariffs in Ukraine have increased.