Minister of Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova has expressed concerns about the low participation rate in the program designed to assist veterans with housing costs, noting that the initiative lacks the necessary momentum. According to her, the primary challenge lies in the reluctance of landlords to participate in formal rental contracts as mandated by the program. This reluctance is attributed to various factors, including the administrative burden of compliance, potential changes in rental income, and a general hesitation to engage with governmental oversight.
Kalmykova emphasized that the program’s effectiveness is directly tied to the cooperation of private property owners. Without a sufficient number of landlords willing to enter into official agreements, the program’s ability to provide tangible support to veterans is significantly limited. She called on the housing sector to reconsider its stance and to recognize the importance of supporting veterans through this initiative. The minister also suggested that additional incentives or policy adjustments may be necessary to encourage greater participation from the landlord community.
Experts in housing policy have echoed Kalmykova’s concerns, highlighting that the low uptake of the program could exacerbate housing insecurity among veterans, especially in areas where rental prices are on the rise. They argue that addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including improved communication, streamlined administrative processes, and perhaps even financial incentives for landlords who participate in the program. The situation has sparked broader discussions about the role of government in facilitating affordable housing solutions for vulnerable groups, including veterans.