The lawyer spoke about the consequences of non-payment of utility bills

Non-payment of bills for housing and communal services (HCS) can lead to negative legal consequences, such as fines and lawsuits. Sergey Sergeev, head of legal support for disputes in the field of public utilities and real estate management at the Yakovlev and Partners Moscow Bar Association, told the Prime agency on May 23.

According to him, in case of late payments, the management company (CC) or the resource supply organization (RSO) has the right to charge penalties for each day of delay, which is why the debt increases rapidly, especially when the debt "drags on" for months. When it becomes significant, the law allows for the restriction or complete shutdown of certain services, such as electricity or water supply. At the same time, the debtor is notified in advance of the appropriate measures.

The management company or RSO can apply to the court to collect the debt, and often use a simplified procedure in which a court order is issued without calling the parties and is subject to immediate execution. After the court decision comes into force, bailiffs can take over the recovery, and it is also possible to seize bank accounts, withhold wages, or impose foreclosure on property.

Housing and communal services debts can become an obstacle to real estate transactions, for example, when selling an apartment, the bank will request a certificate of absence of debts. If a debt is found, it may become the basis for refusing to conduct such transactions, the expert noted. Also, some CC and RSO transmit data on overdue payments, which may affect obtaining a loan or mortgage in the future.

Sergeev notes that in theory, if the debt on housing and communal services becomes significant, then the creditor has the right to file for bankruptcy of an individual. As part of this procedure, the debtor's property, including real estate, may be sold to repay the debt. However, in practice, such cases are extremely rare and relate mainly to the most malicious and systemic defaulters, whose debt reaches very large amounts and is not repaid for a long time.

The bankruptcy procedure is lengthy and can last for several years, requiring expenses for the work of a financial manager, publications and other expenses, the expert noted.

Sergeev advised that in case of financial difficulties, there is no need to delay the process of resolving the issue. On the contrary, you should contact the management organization in a timely manner to coordinate possible debt restructuring or installment payments.

Letters of the law: fraudsters began to use schemes with lawsuits

Users are being threatened with legal problems for further deception

Family lawyer Anna Frolova said on May 21 that the publication of the register of malicious alimony defaulters is the foundation for tougher measures against unscrupulous citizens. According to her, the publication of the list can have, among other things, a psychological impact on malicious alimony defaulters and make them fear for their reputation.