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 is too high?

In Kazakhstan, many citizens apply for housing through state, local, social, or affordable housing programs. These programs are usually intended to provide people with more accessible housing options. However, sometimes the apartment offered under such a program appears to be too expensive.

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, municipal, or affordable housing program.

The key point is that the complaint must be specific and evidence-based. It is not enough to simply state that the apartment is expensive. The applicant should explain what price was expected under the program, what price was actually offered, and why the price appears to be overstated.

When can you complain to the akimat?

You may complain to the akimat if:

• the apartment is offered under a state or local housing program;
• the applicant is on a housing waiting list;
• the housing is provided through the akimat or a housing policy 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 applicant is not given a clear explanation of the cost;
• one price is shown in advertising, but another price appears in the contract;
• the apartment is advertised as affordable housing but is priced at or above market level.

If the property is a purely private commercial project without state participation, the akimat may not always have the authority to directly reduce the price. However, if the project participates in a housing program, the akimat should provide an explanation of the program terms and the price formation process.

What should be checked before filing a complaint?

Before submitting a complaint, it is advisable to check:

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

Sometimes the issue is not only the price itself, but the lack of transparent information. For example, a person may first be told one amount, while a different amount later appears in the contract. In such cases, the applicant should request an official written explanation.

Where can you file a complaint?

1. Akimat

If the apartment is offered through a local housing program or the applicant is on a housing waiting list, the first step may be to contact the city or district akimat. The complaint should ask the akimat to check the apartment price and explain how it was calculated.

2. Housing Policy Department

In many cities, housing issues are handled by the Housing Policy Department. A request may be sent to this department asking it to verify whether the price complies with the program conditions.

3. Otbasy Bank

If the program is implemented through Otbasy Bank, 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. Developer

If the price is set by the construction company, the buyer should send a written claim to the developer. The claim may request an explanation of how the price was formed and why it differs from the stated program conditions.

5. Antimonopoly authority

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

6. Prosecutor’s Office

If the akimat or another authority does not respond, gives a formal answer, or fails to properly review the applicant’s arguments, a complaint may be submitted to the prosecutor’s office. This is especially relevant if the issue affects many citizens.

7. 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 rights, recover an overpayment, challenge certain contract terms, or claim damages.

What should be included in the complaint?

The complaint should be specific. It should include:

• full name of the applicant;
• address and contact details;
• name of the housing program;
• details of the apartment or property;
• price per square meter;
• total apartment price;
• program conditions;
• the exact inconsistency or violation;
• documents supporting 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;
• certificate confirming placement on the housing waiting list;
• notification from the akimat, bank, or program operator;
• apartment information;
• contract or draft contract;
• payment documents;
• website screenshots;
• advertising materials;
• program conditions;
• correspondence with the developer, bank, or akimat;
• comparative price table, if available.

The more documents the applicant provides, the stronger the complaint will be. In such matters, emotions are less important than numbers, documents, and facts.

Can the akimat reduce the apartment price?

The akimat cannot always directly reduce the apartment price. It depends on the program conditions, the status of the property, the developer, and the documents approving the price.

However, the akimat may:

• review the legality of the price formation;
• request information from the developer;
• verify whether the price complies with the program conditions;
• provide an official written response;
• forward the complaint to the competent authority;
• take action if violations are found.

What if the akimat does not respond?

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

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

All requests and responses should be saved. They may be needed later in court or before the prosecutor’s office.

Conclusion

If the housing price under a program is 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 properly justified. It should identify the program, property, apartment area, price per square meter, total cost, and the specific inconsistency with the program conditions.

If the price is indeed overstated or does not comply with the program conditions, the citizen may contact the akimat, Housing Policy Department, Otbasy Bank, developer, 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, the applicant 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.

Can the akimat reduce the price?

Not always. However, the akimat can check the legality of the price, request documents from the developer, and take action if violations are found.

Where else can I complain besides the akimat?

You may contact the Housing Policy Department, Otbasy Bank, the developer, the antimonopoly authority, 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, it may be recovered through a written claim or 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 bod