Rēzekne Woman in Psychiatric Hospital Faces Auction of Her Apartment Over Debts

A woman in Rēzekne, a city in eastern Latvia, who is currently receiving treatment in a psychiatric hospital because of health problems, may lose the apartment where she has lived since birth. While she is in the medical facility, her home has been put up for auction over unpaid debts. The case was reported by the TV3 programme “Bez Tabu”, which was approached by the woman’s neighbours.

Neighbours’ concerns

Residents say that after the death of the person who had previously cared for her, the woman was left without sufficient support and gradually fell into debt. Neighbours worry about how the auction could affect her health. They also question why her legal capacity was not restricted earlier, as they believe she cannot properly manage paying her bills herself.

The bailiff’s explanation

Lilija Solovjova, a sworn bailiff of the Latgale District Court, told the programme that she learned about the woman’s health problems and hospital stay only after journalists asked questions. She stated that health problems and treatment in a psychiatric hospital do not in themselves prevent enforcement proceedings or the auction of property, as long as the person has not been declared legally incapable.

The social service’s position

The Rēzekne Social Service confirmed that the woman is within its field of view and has been provided with an escort. However, paying bills and monitoring payments are not part of that service’s duties. The service acknowledged that, had the problems been noticed in time, broader assistance might have been possible.

What would need to happen

To keep the woman from losing her home, the social service, doctors and the bailiff would need to cooperate, assess her ability to look after herself and, if necessary, turn to a court to restrict her legal capacity.