Can You Complain to the Akimat If the Housing Price Under a Program Is Too High?

What should you do if the housing price under a program seems too high?

In Kazakhstan, many citizens apply for housing through state, local, social, or affordable housing programs. However, sometimes the apartment offered under such a program appears to be too expensive. The program may be promoted as “affordable housing,” but the actual price may look close to or even higher than the market price.

In this situation, a citizen may file an official request or complaint with the akimat if the housing is connected to a state, local, social, or municipal housing program. The purpose of the complaint is not simply to say that the price is “too expensive,” but to request an explanation of how the price was calculated and whether it complies with the program conditions.

When can you complain to the akimat?

You may complain to the akimat if:

• the housing is offered under a state or local housing program;
• the apartment is provided to citizens on a housing waiting list;
• the project is connected with the akimat or a housing department;
• the program sets a maximum price per square meter;
• the actual price is higher than the program conditions;
• the price calculation is not transparent;
• the citizen is not given full information about the price;
• the so-called affordable housing is actually offered at a market-level price.

If the apartment is part of a purely private commercial project, the akimat may not always have the power to directly reduce the price. However, if the project participates in a housing program, the akimat should provide an official explanation regarding the program conditions, price formation, and the procedure for selling or allocating the housing.

What should be checked before filing a complaint?

Before filing a complaint, it is advisable to check:

1. The official name of the housing program.
2. Who implements the program: the akimat, Otbasy Bank, a developer, or another operator.
3. The price per square meter stated in the program conditions.
4. The actual price offered to the buyer.
5. Whether there are any additional payments.
6. Whether the apartment area is calculated correctly.
7. Whether renovation, parking, storage space, or other costs are included.
8. Whether there is an official document approving the price.

Sometimes the issue is not only the price itself, but the lack of transparent information. For example, one price may be shown in advertising, while another price appears in the contract. In such cases, the citizen has the right to request a written explanation.

Where can you file a complaint?

1. Akimat

If the apartment is offered through a local housing program or the citizen is on a housing waiting list, the first step may be to contact the city or district akimat. The request should ask the akimat to review the apartment price and provide a written explanation.

2. Housing Policy Department

In many cities, housing matters are handled by the Housing Policy Department. A request may be submitted to this department asking why the apartment price differs from the program conditions and on what basis the price was approved.

3. Otbasy Bank

If the apartment is purchased through Otbasy Bank or an affordable housing program, a written request may also be sent to the bank. The request should specify the property, apartment area, price per square meter, and ask whether the price complies with the program conditions.

4. Agency for Protection and Development of Competition

If there are signs that the price has been artificially increased, developers are acting in coordination, or competition may be restricted, a complaint may be filed with the antimonopoly authority.

5. Prosecutor’s Office

If the akimat or another authority gives only a formal reply, ignores the complaint, or fails to review the issue properly, a complaint may be submitted to the prosecutor’s office. This is especially relevant if the issue affects many citizens.

6. Court

If a contract has already been signed, money has been paid, and the price appears to violate the program conditions or was imposed unlawfully, the buyer may consider filing a court claim. Through court, it may be possible to protect consumer rights, challenge certain contract terms, recover overpayment, or claim damages.

What should be included in the complaint?

The complaint should be specific. It is not enough to write that “the price is too high.” The applicant should state:

• which program they participate in;
• which apartment or property is being offered;
• what price is stated;
• what price should apply under the program;
• what exactly seems unlawful or unclear;
• which documents support the complaint;
• what exactly the applicant asks the authority to check.

Sample wording:

“I request an official review and written explanation regarding the formation of the apartment price offered under the housing program. I believe that the price per square meter is overstated and does not correspond to the program conditions. I request information on which document approved the price, how it was calculated, and whether it complies with the requirements of the program.”

What documents should be attached?

It is advisable to attach:

• identity document;
• documents confirming participation in the housing program;
• notification from the akimat, bank, or program operator;
• apartment information;
• contract or draft contract;
• payment documents, if payment has already been made;
• screenshots from websites or advertisements;
• program conditions;
• correspondence with the developer, bank, or akimat;
• comparative price table, if available.

The more specific the evidence, the harder it is for the authority to give a vague formal response.

Can the akimat reduce the apartment price?

The akimat cannot always directly reduce the price of an apartment. It depends on how the program is implemented, who the developer is, which documents approved the price, and what conditions were set from the beginning.

However, the akimat may:

• review the legality of the price formation;
• request information from the developer;
• provide an official response;
• forward the complaint to the competent authority;
• take action if the price violates program conditions;
• provide written explanations to the applicant.

What if there is no proper response?

If the akimat does not respond or gives an incomplete answer, the applicant may:

• file a repeated request;
• submit a complaint to a higher authority;
• contact the prosecutor’s office;
• file an administrative claim in court against the inaction of the state body;
• submit a separate request to Otbasy Bank or the antimonopoly authority.

It is important to keep all responses and proof that the complaints were submitted.

Conclusion

If the housing price under a program seems too high, it is possible to complain to the akimat. This is especially relevant when the apartment is offered through a state, local, social, or affordable housing program, or through a housing waiting list.

The complaint should be legally precise: it should identify the program, the property, the price, the program conditions, and request a review of how the price was formed. If the price does not comply with the program conditions, the citizen may contact the akimat, Housing Policy Department, Otbasy Bank, antimonopoly authority, prosecutor’s office, or court.

FAQ

Can I complain to the akimat if the apartment under a program is too expensive?

Yes. If the housing is offered under a state, local, or social housing program, you may submit an official complaint or request to the akimat.

What can I ask the akimat to check?

You may ask the akimat to verify the apartment price, explain how it was calculated, provide the legal basis for the approved price, and check whether it complies with the program conditions.

Where else can I complain besides the akimat?

You may contact the Housing Policy Department, Otbasy Bank, the Agency for Protection and Development of Competition, the prosecutor’s office, or the court.

Can I recover an overpayment?

If the overpayment resulted from a violation of program conditions, unlawful price increase, or misleading information, the issue may be resolved through a written claim and court proceedings.

Is it better to submit the complaint through eOtinish?

Yes. eOtinish is useful because the complaint is officially registered and the applicant can track its review.

What should I do if the akimat gives a formal reply?

You may file a repeated complaint, contact the prosecutor’s office, or file an administrative claim challenging the inaction or improper response of the state body.