Russian flat owners must pay heating bills even for empty apartments
Russian apartment owners must pay heating bills even when their flats are empty or unregistered. The Siberian Generating Company (SGC) recently confirmed this legal requirement. Payments depend on whether an individual meter is installed or not.
When no heating meter exists, charges are based on the apartment's total area. Usage of radiators or heating devices does not affect the cost. Heat can still enter through walls from neighbouring flats or shared riser pipes.
If a meter is present, bills reflect its readings plus an additional share for common spaces. These shared areas—such as entrances, basements, and attics—are part of the ODN (общедомовые нужды) charges. Owners cannot avoid these fees, even if they turn off their radiators.
Russian law requires all property owners to maintain both their flats and the building's communal zones. This obligation applies regardless of whether the apartment is occupied or registered. The system ensures that heating costs for shared infrastructure are distributed among all residents.
The rules mean heating bills remain mandatory for all apartment owners. Payments cover individual usage and shared building costs, with no exemptions for vacant properties. The structure applies uniformly, though regional variations in pricing may exist.
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