Minister Backs Absentee Owner Registration Agreement With Finland
Many Finns who own real estate in Estonia are hard to reach, making it hard to deliver notices and causing other complications for municipalities.
Minister for Regional Affairs Siim Kiisler has brought the issue to the attention of the Foreign Ministry and Justice Ministry.
"Many Finns have real estate in Estonia and that requires dealings with public bodies in Estonia - be it due to maintaining real estate, paying land tax, inheritance or other such issues," Kiisler told Postimees. "Unfortunately there is no agreement on exchange of information and thus it is hard to get into contact with such people."
Kiisler suggested an international treaty in the area could facilitate communication.
One issue that comes up, according to the Interior Ministry is delivery of documents informing owners that they are responsible for the upkeep of their property. "Forwarding such documents is difficult and if the owner cannot be reached it is not possible to fine him or her if they do not comply," said spokesperson Kaili Uusmaa. "There have also been problems in the case of death of an owner living in Finland."
Currently the Estonian local government is not notified of the decease and the utility bills continue piling up.
Kristopher Rikken