Residents who believe they are charged incorrectly for housing and communal services can reach out to their management company (MC) for clarification. This guidance was shared on Moscow 24 by Andrey Kostyanov, Deputy Executive Director of the NP Housing and Utilities Control, highlighting the initial step many households take when disputes arise.
The expert noted that if a satisfactory explanation cannot be obtained directly from the management company, a formal complaint can be filed with the state housing inspectorate, requesting an investigation. Alternatively, one can pursue legal action in court. If the MC confirms an erroneous charge, a recalculation will be performed. It is important to understand, Kostyanov added, that higher fees are not always the result of a mistake by the management company; other factors may be at play.
One such factor involves metering devices. Water meters, for instance, have a calibration interval, after which readings are reviewed. If the device is overdue for calibration and the resident has not taken action, utility payments are often based on an average consumption figure. This can lead to charges that appear excessive compared with actual use until a recalculation or remeasurement is completed. Kostyanov emphasized the practical impact of meter calibration on monthly bills and the need for homeowners to stay proactive about device maintenance.
Context about household expenditures in recent years was also shared. A late-December survey conducted by the NAFI analytical center in collaboration with Ingosstrakh highlighted that the largest spending areas for Russians in 2023 included food, clothing, transportation, and housing upkeep. This snapshot underscores how even small changes in utility charges can affect a family budget, especially when other essentials compete for limited funds. While these findings originate from Russia, similar patterns are observed in large North American cities where housing costs and utilities form a substantial portion of monthly expenses, reinforcing the importance of transparent billing and accessible dispute channels for residents in North America as well. (Source: NAFI/Ingosstrakh survey report)
Looking at policy debates surrounding housing arrears and service charges, the discussion in some contexts has included measures to address accumulated debts related to utilities. In any case, households are encouraged to review statements carefully, request itemized breakdowns when possible, and pursue remedies through official channels if discrepancies arise. Persistent questions about how charges are calculated and how adjustments are issued can often be resolved through direct communication with the MC, supported by formal documentation, or through regulatory bodies that oversee housing services. (Attribution: Moscow 24)