Russian courts order removal of illegal vestibules in apartment buildings
Russian courts are cracking down on unauthorised changes to shared spaces in apartment buildings. In Irkutsk, a homeowner recently won a lawsuit to remove a neighbour’s illegal vestibule, door and cabinet from the landing. The case highlights growing legal action against such violations, with emergency services and property managers now conducting raids to enforce fire safety rules.
The dispute in Irkutsk began when a resident installed a partition, door and storage cabinet in the communal landing without permission. The neighbour argued that these changes were simply a way to organise shared property. However, the court rejected this claim, ruling that the structures violated fire safety regulations.
Under Russian law, common areas belong to all residents of an entrance, and any structural changes must be approved by a general meeting of homeowners. The defendants had not obtained this approval or the necessary permits. As a result, the court ordered them to dismantle the door and cabinet and cover the plaintiff’s legal fees of 3,000 rubles. The ruling also reinforced that homeowners have the right to demand the removal of unauthorised items from shared spaces. This ensures unobstructed access to apartments and compliance with fire safety standards. Across Russia, similar cases are emerging, with courts consistently siding with affected neighbours and emergency services. EMERCOM and property management companies have now begun conducting inspections to identify illegal vestibules. Those found in violation face legal consequences, including fines and mandatory dismantling of unauthorised structures.
The Irkutsk case sets a clear precedent for handling unauthorised modifications in shared apartment spaces. Courts are enforcing fire safety rules and protecting residents’ rights to access their homes without obstruction. With raids now underway, more violations are expected to be identified and addressed through legal action.
