Lawyers gave advice on reducing overpayments due to rising utility tariffs

The installation of metering devices is the optimal solution for monitoring water flow, but the main factor in each specific case should be the technical possibility of installing meters. This was announced on February 11 by Anton Trefilov, a lawyer and expert in the housing and communal services sector.

Trefilov recalled that the increasing coefficient for water supply is applied in the absence of a meter. Since January 1, 2026, the coefficient has been increased to two, and in the future it may reach three.

"This is not a "fraudulent scheme" of the Criminal Code, but a federal measure to encourage the installation of metering devices," Trefilov said in an interview with RBC.

Answering the question of how to avoid overpayment if it is impossible to install a meter, Trefilov explained that the management company does not always have the right to apply an increasing coefficient. For example, if the house is in disrepair or dilapidated condition, or the meter is out of order and is being replaced. It is important that the technical impossibility of installing the meter is confirmed by an inspection report drawn up by the Management Committee.

If the amount in the receipt seems to be incorrect, Trefilov advised challenging the consumption standard. In case of violations, the lawyer recommended filing complaints with the state housing Inspectorate, Rospotrebnadzor or the prosecutor's office, indicating in the appeal the receipt data, the name of the Criminal Code and the mistakenly applied coefficient.

Sergey Sergeev, head of the department of legal support for disputes in the housing and communal services sector, in turn, drew attention to the fact that if the meter malfunctions, the increasing coefficient will begin to be applied three months after its breakdown. He recommended regularly checking the meter's operability and replacing it if necessary to avoid charging an increased fee.

The news is being updated