How to Address Poor Utility Services and Reduce Your Bills in Ukraine
Ukrainian residents face a significant challenge: ensuring they receive quality utility services while avoiding excessive payments.
In Ukraine’s current economic climate, frequent disruptions and subpar delivery of heating, water, and sanitation services often lead to increased bills that do not match the quality provided.
Legal expert Andriy Shelikh from EvrikaLaw law firm explained that consumers have the right to request recalculations if they receive services that are defective or substandard.
According to Ukrainian law, specifically Article 1, Part 1 of the Law “On Housing and Utility Services,” every resident is entitled to receive timely and quality utility services in accordance with legislation and contractual agreements.
Unfortunately, many consumers encounter issues such as insufficient heating during cold seasons, where the temperature in apartments drops below 18 degrees Celsius.
To claim compensation, consumers need to document the fact of poor service quality: this can be done by calling a representative of the service provider to draw up an official act of complaint.
This act must be signed by both the consumer and the provider or manager of a multi-apartment building.
Based on this document, the supplier is required to perform a recalculation within a month and, if necessary, pay a penalty.
If the service provider does not respond, consumers have the right to take legal action.
Previously, the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development announced that the heating season in Ukraine should start on schedule to ensure adequate warmth for households.