Tbilisi Gov’t introduces changes to rental rules for residents of emergency housing

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced at Wednesday’s government session that new rules will apply to residents of emergency housing who receive municipal rent.

Under the changes, if a person receives rent from the municipality but refuses to participate in any emergency housing replacement program, their rental payments will be suspended for six months.

“We are making changes to the rental distribution rules. Although several significant programs exist for replacing emergency housing, some owners misuse the municipality’s rental program. These individuals refuse to participate in replacement programs, harming the rights of other owners, while continuing to receive rent for years. According to the changes, if a person receives rent and refuses to join a replacement program, payments will be suspended for six months and will resume only after they agree to participate,” Kaladze said.

He added that anyone who later becomes eligible for rent but has previously refused participation will not receive payments until they consent to join a replacement program.

Kaladze urged residents to use the programs offered, emphasizing that they were designed to improve living conditions and property. “I don’t understand why anyone would be happy living in an old, dangerous building. We are ready to help - take advantage of this opportunity to move into new, renovated apartments with modern standards, exactly the same size as your current home,” he said.