in particular postsoviet transition countries have limited knowledge of informal settlements because housing in the soviet era was considered as a universal right with the state providing housing and basic infrastructure freeofcharge and centrally with the commodification of access to housing and facilities in these countries residents have been experiencing degraded standards of living which also now represent a great challenge for policymakers this is why it is important to raise awareness and to develop a broad understanding of the phenomenon as well as to suggest possible solutions