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Tengrinews.kz – Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in Kazakhstan may be involved in crime prevention efforts, including monitoring and reporting minor violations such as nighttime noise, illegal waste disposal, and breaches of public order. The proposed measures were discussed by Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov.
During a Mazhilis session, Sadenov presented a draft law on “Crime Prevention”, which proposes expanding the powers of HOA chairpersons. Under the draft, they would be allowed to assess residents’ behavior for potential security threats—a proposal that has raised concerns among lawmakers.
Mazhilis deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva expressed reservations about granting HOA heads the authority to evaluate residents’ conduct and identify safety risks, warning that it could lead to interference in citizens’ private lives.
“As we know, HOA chairpersons are civilians delegated by the building’s residents to manage household and organizational matters. They are not law enforcement professionals,” Smyshlyaeva said.
She added that the draft law’s proposed functions far exceed the chairpersons’ traditional responsibilities.
“Could granting such powers result in unlimited intrusion into residents’ private lives? Might chairpersons themselves become embroiled in endless conflicts with neighbors while performing these duties? Perhaps a more measured approach is needed to prevent such situations in the future, especially given the limited number of volunteers willing to lead HOAs,” Smyshlyaeva noted.
In response, Minister Sadenov emphasized that crime prevention should be a responsibility shared by both the state and society.
“This draft law, like current legislation, envisages that everyone participates in prevention. Government agencies have clear duties within their sectors, while the role of HOAs and businesses is more about participation than obligation,” he explained.
Sadenov added that residents would retain the right to contact HOA chairpersons regarding minor violations, such as noise disturbances or improper waste disposal.
“I agree that we should not equate them with state bodies responsible for prevention. For the non-government sector, a softer approach is needed, possibly defining responsibilities within working groups. Overall, the local community will exercise oversight. If the law is adopted, we will conduct explanatory work among the population,” the minister concluded.
