Uzbekistan enacts renovation law, detailing compensation for displaced residents

Uzbekistan has signed a new law on renovation, introducing regulations for updating aging housing stock. The legislation specifies that renovation projects cannot include sites of special historical, cultural, social, or economic importance. It mandates open discussions with property rights holders. While initial plans required 100% owner consent for renovation projects, the new law generally requires agreement from approximately 80% of property owners. An exception exists for apartment buildings deemed аварийными (dilapidated) or dangerous, which can be included in renovation programs even without the 80% owner support. However, securing 80% consent does not automatically lead to demolition. Following program approval, individual agreements for compensation or project participation must be finalized with each property owner. Without resolving an individual owner's rights, their property cannot be expropriated or demolished by administrative decision. If some owners disagree, compensation and buyout issues can be resolved through legal proceedings, and the property cannot be demolished until a court decision is made. The law outlines the types of compensation property owners are entitled to, including reimbursement for moving expenses and temporary housing. It also covers potential lost profits for two years from land use and other agreed-upon costs and losses. Additionally, property owners will receive an extra 12% of the compensation amount for the inconvenience caused by the renovation. Even individuals without formal property documents may be compensated if they have possessed the property in good faith, openly, and continuously for 15 years and have paid taxes. The law also addresses the legalization of illegally occupied land plots. It prohibits pressuring property owners who have not reached an agreement and restricts their ability to dispose of their property to force them into signing. Specifically, it forbids cutting off utilities like water, sewage, electricity, heating, or gas to residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. This development follows Kyrgyzstan's launch of a similar renovation program aimed at replacing Soviet-era buildings with modern structures.