HOUSING RIGHTS OF VULNERABLE POPULATION CATEGORIES: PROBLEMS OF LEGAL PROTECTION AND COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The article examines the features of the legal protection of housing rights of vulnerable categories of the population, which is extremely relevant in modern conditions. It is emphasized that the right to housing is an important element of guaranteeing human dignity and functions in conjunction with other personal, social and property rights. Given the lack of a single definition of the concept of “protection of housing rights” in the legislation, its practical implementation is carried out through constitutional guarantees, provisions of legislation on housing policy, financial support and legal procedures for the restoration of violated rights. The methodological basis of the study is a combination of formal legal and comparative legal analysis using a doctrinal approach, which allows assessing the features of the implementation of housing rights and identifying areas for improving the mechanisms for their protection for socially vulnerable categories of the population. The national legislation and institutional mechanisms aimed at ensuring the accessibility of housing, its suitability for habitation and the integration of housing policy with social and technical measures are highlighted. A comparative analysis of Ukrainian practice and European experience, in particular Denmark, Italy, decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union, demonstrating the principles of non-discrimination and ensuring fair access to social housing, has been conducted. It has been established that ensuring the housing rights of vulnerable groups is not only a legal task, but also an indicator of the state’s value orientations, its social responsibility and ability to maintain human dignity even in crisis circumstances. Directions for improving protection are outlined: implementation of international standards into national legislation, development of mechanisms for social and affordable housing, systematic support of specialized bodies, integration of legal, social and technical means for comprehensive provision of the housing needs of vulnerable categories of the population.