Golden House Ordered to Rectify Consumer Rights Violations

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Golden House Property Group LLC has received an official directive to address identified violations of the law, the Committee for Competition Development said in a statement.

Public discussion arose on social media after citizens raised the question, “Is it legal to impose a fine for criticism?”

Consumers noted that when they independently terminate a construction contract, the company retains 10 % of the paid amount or the contract value. They also reported that complaints to authorities or the media could result in additional fines, allegedly for damage to the company’s business reputation.

Following an investigation, the Competition Committee determined that the terms of the apartment purchase agreements in multi-story buildings with shared participation, drafted by Golden House, effectively restrict consumer rights. Even when contracts are voluntarily terminated or dissatisfaction with the company’s activities is expressed via media or official channels, retaining 10 % of the contract value constitutes a limitation of consumer rights.

Accordingly, under Articles 4, 6, 21, and 23 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Protection of Consumer Rights,” the Competition Committee issued a directive requiring the company to voluntarily remedy these violations.

It is reminded that, in accordance with Article 9 of the Law “On Guarantees of Freedom of Entrepreneurial Activity,” all business entities are obliged to comply with legislation on competition and the protection of consumer rights.