Landlord's Obligation to Cover Costs for Two Units When Residing in One
In Russia, the responsibilities and procedures for paying utility bills and maintenance fees for multiple apartments are regulated by the Housing Code of the Russian Federation and the Russian Civil Code.
Each apartment owner or tenant is responsible for paying their share of utility bills, such as electricity, water, heating, and maintenance fees for common property services. This is a well-established principle in Russian housing law.
Utility consumption is usually measured separately for each apartment using individual meters. In the absence of meters or if they are faulty, payments can be calculated based on norms established by law.
Payments for utilities and maintenance fees can be made via various methods, including bank transfers, cash, or other means agreed upon with the service providers or property management. It is important to keep payment proofs such as receipts or screenshots for confirmation.
In residential buildings with multiple apartments, maintenance costs for common areas, such as elevators and stairwells, are distributed among all owners according to either the size of their apartment or other legally agreed criteria.
The Russian Civil Code sets the general contractual basis for payment agreements between parties, while the Housing Code provides detailed regulations on utility services, maintenance responsibilities, and dispute resolution regarding payments.
A notable entity, Yakutskecoseti, has suggested that property owners in Russia should re-evaluate their expenses for maintenance services and utility bills for their multiple apartments. According to Yakutskecoseti, this is particularly important for the second apartment where the owner does not live, as they only need to pay for the service of waste management.
It is important to note that the term "garbage fee" is not explicitly mentioned, but it can be implied from the context that it refers to the waste management service. The article does not provide any new information about the specific norms of consumption or the details of how they are calculated.
However, it is crucial to remember that non-use of a premises does not exempt the owner from paying for housing and communal services, as stated in the Housing Code of the Russian Federation. The owner is also obligated to maintain their properties according to the Russian Civil Code, regardless of whether they reside in the property or not.
In summary, apartment owners or tenants must pay for utilities proportional to their consumption or area, maintain common property through designated fees, and keep documented proof of payments according to the Russian Civil and Housing Codes. For authoritative details, official Russian legislative texts should be consulted.
In the context of home-and-garden matters, one might consider the importance of maintaining a neat and efficient home, contributing to a desirable lifestyle. For instance, the upkeep of common areas in an apartment building, such as staircases or gardens, can also be seen as a part of one's home-and-garden obligations, as these areas are shared spaces and thus require the collective effort of all residents. As outlined in the Russian Civil Code, payment agreements for utility bills and maintenance fees, including costs associated with waste management, are essential components of these obligations, impacting one's lifestyle and home-and-garden responsibilities.
