Debt write-off for electricity, water supply, gas, heating

Every citizen of Ukraine is faced with the need to pay for communal services, such as the supply of gas, electricity, water and heating. However, due to certain life circumstances, including financial difficulties, job loss or health problems, some may find themselves in a situation where they are unable to pay for these services on time. As a result, they accumulate debts to communal services, which over time become a significant burden. Such a situation can cause additional financial stress, making it difficult to get out of a difficult situation and pay off debt.

How to find out about the debt for communal services?

In order to pay utility bills on time, it is necessary to regularly monitor the status of your personal account.

The easiest way is to contact your ZHEK or condominium, stating the address and surname of the person for whom the personal account is issued.

Also, information about debts can be obtained from operators of "Ukrposhta" or employees of bank branches where utility payments are made. In particular, most large banks ("PrivatBank", "Oschadbank", etc.) provide such data in mobile applications in the section of utility payments.

In addition, you can track the debt through your personal account on the official website of the utility provider.

Importantly! Timely payment of debts for housing and communal services will help to avoid the accrual of fines and other consequences provided for by the current legislation of Ukraine.

When is it possible to write off debts for communal services?

If, however, a situation occurred when you accumulated debts for non-payment of utility services, there is a way to write them off. However, this can only be done under certain circumstances and after the utility provider files a lawsuit to collect debt from the consumer.

During the judicial review of the case, the consumer has the right to file a petition for cancellation of his debts. According to a court decision in favor of the consumer, debts can be written off in the following cases:

• If the debt existed for a long time - more than three years.
• If the debt arose under the previous owners of the residential premises and was transferred to the new owner during the purchase of the property.
• If the debt was calculated inconsistently with the actual area of the consumer's home.
• If the consumer is officially recognized as bankrupt on the basis of a relevant court decision.

Serious consequences for non-payers of utility services

Debtors for non-payment of utility services face serious consequences in the event of a court decision to collect the debt. The state executor may:

• Seize property and accounts to pay off debt.
• Submit information about existing debts to credit bureaus.
• Remove real estate (as a last resort).

The residential premises where the debtor actually lives is the last to be confiscated. However, the removal of housing in which minors/disabled persons are registered requires the permission of guardianship authorities or a separate court decision.

Legal assistance in writing off utility bills

It is important to realize that the possibility of writing off debts for communal services exists only under certain circumstances and after a thorough judicial review of the case. Qualified legal support from the company "Prykhodko and Partners" is necessary for a successful resolution of this issue. Our lawyers are experts in the field of debt obligations related to communal services.

Only professional legal assistance will make it possible to go through all the necessary legal procedures as effectively as possible and to achieve a positive court decision on cancellation of utility debt. Contact "Prykhodko and Partners" for detailed consultations.