By Russian Government Decree No. 826 dated May 31, 2025, new criteria for determining non-use of land plots have been approved and will take effect from September 1, 2025. The Decree will remain in force until September 1, 2031.
The established criteria will apply after the expiration of the allotted land development period (3 years).
Key indicators of non-use of a land plot:
- Plot clutter:
If more than 50% of the land area is cluttered with items unrelated to its designated purpose or permitted use, or is contaminated with industrial or consumer waste (including solid municipal waste), and the plot remains uncleared for one year or more from the date of such condition being identified.
- Absence of a registered building:
If on a land plot designated for individual housing construction, no individual residential house has been built and duly registered within 7 years or more.
Exception: if a court determines that the owner was unable to complete construction due to the fault of government authorities, local self-government bodies, or utility network operators.
- Destruction of permanent structures:
If the land plot contains buildings or structures (not classified as unauthorized construction) that collectively have:
- a destroyed roof and walls;
- missing windows or window panes;
and the owner has not begun to remedy these defects for one year or more.
Exception: structures officially declared hazardous and subject to demolition or reconstruction.
The criteria for determining non-use of land plots located within populated areas, garden plots, and vegetable garden plots, as set forth in the Decree, do not apply if:
- a land use ban or restriction has been imposed based on a court ruling or an act issued by an authorized body, preventing use of the land in accordance with its designated purpose and/or permitted use;
- the land plot could not be used for its intended purpose due to natural disasters or other circumstances preventing such use.
