On the rules for using residential premises

Practically everyone has encountered the problem of noisy neighbors, those who love to have parties at their place, or those who have been renovating their apartments for years, banging and drilling in the evenings.  

The main document that specifies what residents of apartment buildings can and cannot do is the "Rules for the Use of Residential Premises, Maintenance of Residential and Auxiliary Premises" (approved by Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus of May 21, 2013). They stipulate that citizens must use televisions, radios, tape recorders, and other sound-amplifying devices only on the condition that the volume is reduced to a level that does not disturb the peace of other residents in the apartment building. During nighttime hours (from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM), actions that create vibration and noise (including playing musical instruments, loud speech and singing, using pyrotechnic devices, carrying out household (repair) work, manual loading and unloading operations, and other actions) are prohibited.

Furthermore, carrying out renovation and/or redevelopment work that creates noise or vibration on weekends and public holidays, as well as before 9:00 AM and after 7:00 PM on weekdays, is prohibited.

For non-fulfillment (improper fulfillment) of these obligations, as well as for violation of other provisions enshrined in the Rules for the Use of Residential Premises, administrative liability is provided for under Art. 21.16 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus.

In accordance with paragraph 12 of part 1 of Art. 3.30 of the Procedural and Enforcement Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus, authorized officials of organizations that operate housing stock and/or provide communal services, i.e., directors of housing and utility departments (hereinafter referred to as HUDs), have the right to draw up protocols on administrative offenses provided for by Art. 21.16 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus.

When peaceful neighborly agreements fail, citizens are forced to complain to various state bodies, including the prosecutor's office.

However, it should be taken into account that in case of violation

neighbors' rules of using residential premises, you should immediately submit a corresponding application to the director of the housing and communal services department at your place of residence to bring the neighbors to administrative responsibility.

Sanction: a fine of up to 30 basic units (810 rubles), for legal entities – from thirty to fifty basic units (from 810 rubles to 1,350 rubles).

Prosecutor of the Department for Supervision of Legislation
and Legality of Legal Acts
Tatyana Ivanova