The State Duma has advanced a legislative proposal in its second reading that would prohibit short-term rentals of residential buildings unless the properties are equipped with meters to measure energy consumption. This development was reported by TASS.
According to the bill, apartment owners may offer daily rental only when the dwelling is fitted with meters for electricity, gas, water, and heating. The aim behind this requirement is to safeguard the rights and legitimate interests of neighboring residents, ensure proper use of living premises, and support the upkeep of shared property within multi-unit buildings.
The bill’s text states that a residential building owner may lease an apartment for short periods solely if meters exist to quantify energy resources used. This condition is presented as a practical measure to promote transparency, prevent disputes, and make sure neighbors are not unexpectedly affected by unmetered consumption.
State Duma deputy Sergei Kolunov, who serves on the Committee on Construction, Housing and Communal Services, explained that the new rules trace their lineage to a 2019 decision by the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. The court clarified that while daily rental of housing is not categorically prohibited, it does require additional regulation through legislative action to avoid loopholes and gaps in enforcement.
Supporters say the regulation is designed to protect residents from the kinds of disturbances and violations that can accompany frequent daily rentals. Kolunov told the publication that should a rental operation fail to meet the new metering requirements, neighbors have a clear option to seek resolution through the courts, underscoring the potential for legal remedies to address complaints about usage and property maintenance.
Beyond the immediate policy discussion, the broader housing market in Russia continues to be a topic of public interest. Earlier reporting highlighted how rental prices for rooms and small apartments fluctuated across major cities, with certain regions experiencing sharper increases than others as demand shifted and supply responded. These dynamics have implications for affordability, neighborhood stability, and the long-term value of residential properties. The metering proposal intersects with these trends by attempting to align rental activity with measurable resource use, which may influence price structures and landlord practices over time. In regional discourse, some municipalities have already started or considered pilot programs that emphasize transparent metering as a condition for certain rental operations, a move that could set precedents for future national policy.
Meanwhile, economic signals in the housing sector have continued to evolve. Market commentary has referenced recent movements in mortgage lending, noting fluctuations in loan approvals, interest rates, and the overall lending climate. Analysts point to a complex mix of macroeconomic factors impacting household borrowing and property markets, including inflation, credit conditions, and policy expectations from central authorities. These broader financial conditions can influence how landlords and renters approach agreement terms, including the adoption of metering infrastructure as a standard feature in rental properties. Observers emphasize that while regulatory changes aim to protect residents and property neighbors, the practical adoption of metering across the housing stock will require coordination among property owners, utility providers, and local administrations to ensure compliance and effective enforcement.