Ministry of Justice Clarifies Housing Demolition and Renovation Rules in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The consent of 80 percent of the residents of a specific territory is required exclusively for the inclusion of a project into the urban renovation program, rather than for the direct demolition of residential buildings.

Jamshid Mirzaev, Head of the Economic Legislation Department at the Ministry of Justice, debunked the popular public misconception during the "Legal View" (Pravovoy Vglyad) podcast. The ministry representative clarified that approval from this specific portion of citizens serves only as the initial expression of intent to launch the process.

Following the submission of such an initiative, the proposal is forwarded for review to the Kengash (Council) of People's Deputies and the republican commission, while all relevant data is shared with interested stakeholders. During the next phase, specialists evaluate the designated site against a set of legally established criteria. This assessment includes verifying conformity with the city's master plan, confirming its location within an official renovation zone, assessing the degree of building obsolescence, evaluating the state of utility infrastructure, and examining population growth dynamics. Inclusion in the state program occurs only when the site fully meets all of these specified requirements.

Once a territory is officially approved within the program, the hokimiyat (local administration) and local government authorities, alongside investors, organize individual negotiations with each property owner. These discussions culminate in the signing of a notarized agreement.

The Ministry of Justice drew special attention to the fact that the demolition of housing is strictly prohibited until compensation payments are completely settled. Demolition work is legally impermissible if even a minimum outstanding debt of a single soum remains owed to a citizen.