Property owners whose property was damaged or destroyed as a result of the Russian Federation's military aggression may receive compensation from the state. One of the main conditions for receiving such compensation is the presence of a document confirming ownership. What to do if the documents are lost — explain the lawyers of the free legal aid system.
In this case, you should apply to the relevant institutions for a duplicate or to the court to establish facts that have legal significance.
If the real estate document was issued after January 1, 2013
Information about it is contained in the State Register of Real Property Rights. An extract from this register confirms the availability of information about the ownership of the property, which allows you to apply for compensation if the property is damaged or destroyed.
You can order an extract online through the Diya portal (provided you have an electronic signature) or contact the ASN or a notary and receive it in paper form (for a fee).
If the document was issued before January 1, 2013, and this information was not entered into the State Register of Real Property Rights
You need to contact the notary or the authority that issued this document.
If it is impossible to obtain a duplicate from them (archives have been lost, etc.), you need to go to court.
How the BPD system can help
Everyone can get free legal advice from the free legal aid system. Lawyers will advise on the procedure for restoring lost documents and, if necessary, help with making requests to the relevant authorities.
Some categories of people are also entitled to free assistance with applying to court, including in cases related to document restoration. These are:
- IDPs;
- low-income individuals (able-bodied individuals — with income up to 6,056 UAH/month; pensioners (by age, years of service) — 4,722 UAH/month;
- persons with disabilities - if the pension or social assistance is up to 6,056 UAH;
- war veterans;
- family members of the fallen Defenders of Ukraine
Other categories are listed in Article 14 Law of Ukraine "On Free Legal Aid").
Examples of assistance in court
To claim compensation for a damaged house, ownership had to be established
Nadiya's house was damaged by artillery shelling. She inherited it after her husband's death, but due to the lack of a document confirming ownership of the house, the notary refused to perform notarial acts. A lawyer from the BPD system prepared a statement of claim for the court to recognize ownership of the house in the order of inheritance by law. The court granted the claim. This will allow Nadiya to apply for compensation from the state for damage to the house and to restore it in the future. More details
Helped a woman register ownership of a non-residential building that was destroyed
Olga owns a store located in the TOT of Luhansk Oblast. It was destroyed during artillery shelling in the summer of 2022, along with property documents. In addition, there is no information about ownership in the State Register of Property Rights. A lawyer who cooperates with the BPD system prepared and filed a claim with the court for recognition of ownership. He attached copies of the remaining documents to the claim, including the store's purchase and sale agreement, real estate registration certificate, etc. The court granted the claim. More details
How to contact the BPD system