Nizhny Novgorod residents were told how to avoid penalties for unkempt garden plots.

      October 28, 2025, 10:46 — Society

      Nizhny Novgorod residents were briefed on new rules concerning the use of garden plots that came into force in Russia on September 1, 2025, and that establish clear criteria by which a land parcel can be declared unused. A "hotline" was opened at the Rosreestr office for the Nizhny Novgorod region. Residents of the region actively inquired how exactly the status of a plot is determined, what consequences await those who do not maintain their land, and how to avoid sanctions.

      The deputy head of the regional Rosreestr, Maxim Paikov, summed up the consultations and clarified the most pressing issues.

      One of the most common questions from those who rarely visit their dacha was: how is it determined that a plot is unused?

      Maxim Paikov explained that the decisive factor is not the frequency of visits but the actual condition of the land. If a plot has fruit trees, berries, a well-kept lawn, and is regularly tended — even if the owner visits rarely — that is considered use. But if the land is overgrown with weeds and saplings and there are no signs of any maintenance or economic activity, the plot may be declared unused.

      Nizhny Novgorod residents also wanted to know how Rosreestr identifies such plots. As the agency representative noted, inspections are carried out as part of control activities. Visual inspections, aerial photography, and satellite imagery are used. "Information from local authorities and other interested parties plays an important role," he added.

      Many appeals concerned neighbors in dacha cooperatives (SNTs) who have not appeared on their plots for years. Abandoned houses fall into disrepair, damage fences, and pose a danger to others. Some plots have open wells and pits.

      In such cases, Paikov emphasized, the procedure is lengthy. First, the owner is sent a notice and an order to remedy the violations. If they ignore the requirements, fines may be imposed. "Only in the case of many years of systematic ignoring of the requirements presented can sanctions be applied," said Maxim Paikov.

      Some residents expressed concern that their plots might be mistakenly declared unused, especially if they cannot tend the land for health reasons. In such situations, the deputy head of the office noted, the deadline for complying with the order may be extended for valid reasons. However, if the owner takes no action, Rosreestr forwards the information to the authorized bodies, which may apply to the court to seize the plot and sell it.

      In conclusion, Maxim Paikov gave some practical advice to landowners. He reminded them that it is important to keep a plot in order, even if it is temporarily not used for construction or gardening. If an order is received — do not delay; remedy the violations within the deadline.

      Earlier, in an interview with NIA "Nizhny Novgorod," the deputy head of Rosreestr for the Nizhny Novgorod region, Maxim Paikov, explained how the fact of a plot being used will now be determined, who is authorized to do this, and what consequences await owners if their land is found to be abandoned. The interview can be read via the link.

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay informed about major events, exclusive materials, and timely information.

      Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain 18+ materials.