Free privatization of housing could be extended for another year in Russia

UFA, 19 February 2015. /Bashinform News Agency, Catherine Sokolova/. Free housing privatization may be extended in Russia for at least another year. This was stated by the Chairman of the State Duma Sergei Naryshkin, according to "Rossiyskaya Gazeta".

Yesterday at the plenary session of the State Duma a draft bill on extending the period of free privatization for three years - until March 1, 2018 was considered in the first reading. But the initiative was approved with amendments to its terms. Thus, the period of free privatization will last only for a year - until March 1, 2016.

“The bill was passed in the first reading due to a number of important reasons,” commented on the initiative the State Duma deputy from Bashkortostan Pavel Kachkaev. “Many residents of Crimea and Sevastopol did not have time to privatize housing according to the norms of the Russian legislation. In addition, due to the cancellation of free privatization some people will be in a difficult situation - those who live in dilapidated houses, as well as those who stand in the waiting lists for housing.”

According to the parliamentarian, after the expiration of any additional period it will become clear whether completely cancel the free privatization or retain this opportunity for separate groups of people.

It is scheduled to consider the bill in the second reading on February 20. If the deputies support the initiative, it will be adopted in the third, final reading.