The expert predicted an increase in tariffs for housing and communal services in 2026 by 6-8%

In 2026, utility tariffs may increase by 6-8% due to inflation, network wear and tax changes. Evgeny Zoloev, Executive Director of the SK10 management company, told Izvestia about this on February 17.

The main factors will be the need to modernize worn-out networks, an increase in the cost of imported equipment and the cost of reforming the municipal solid waste management system, the specialist explained.

According to the expert, tariffs have been held back by the state for a long time, and their current increase is due to the gradual leveling of indicators. The most noticeable price increases will affect gas and electricity, which will lead to an increase in tariffs for heating and hot water supply.

According to the expert, changes in legislation have put significant pressure on the cost of house maintenance. The main driver was the introduction of VAT for management companies from 2025 and an increase in the base rate of this tax to 22%.

FAS on tariffs: the government will control the price increase in receipts for housing and communal services

The Antimonopoly Service will have the right to set prices independently.

"An additional factor was the increase in the base rate of this tax from 20% to 22% starting from the new year. At the same time, the threshold for applying the simplified taxation system (STS) is being lowered," explained Zoloev.

To reduce costs, the expert recommended switching to multi-tariff electricity metering and using energy-intensive equipment at night. This reduces costs by up to 25%.

"In order to reduce heating costs, it is worthwhile to regularly (at the beginning of each heating season) remove air plugs from radiators. This procedure increases the efficiency of heat transfer by 20-30%, which reduces the need for additional heaters and saves about 500 rubles per month," said Evgeny Zoloev.

You can save extra money by installing aerators on cranes. In addition, upgrading the lighting in the entrances with LED lamps and motion sensors will also significantly reduce household costs, concluded Zoloev.

On February 16, it was reported about the proposal of State Duma deputies to introduce a moratorium on increasing fees for housing and communal services until March 1, 2028. As noted in the document, the current Housing Code of the Russian Federation allows for an increase in utility bills within the indices, which vary significantly depending on the region.

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