Yakutia residents challenge illegal fees for stairwell disinfection amid pandemic rules

Residents in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) have raised concerns over extra charges for disinfecting stairwells in apartment buildings. Between June 1 and June 7, the State Housing and Construction Oversight Agency reviewed ten messages about these fees. The issue stems from COVID-19 precautions and whether such costs can legally be passed on to homeowners. The need for daily disinfection arose during the pandemic, following Rospotrebnadzor's guidelines. However, under Russian law, any additional service—including disinfection—requires approval from a general meeting of property owners. According to Part 7, Article 156 of the Housing Code, maintenance costs must be agreed upon collectively.

Disinfecting shared areas is not part of the mandatory service list for common property upkeep. Vasily Fyodorov, head of the oversight agency's transparency department, confirmed that charging extra without homeowner consent is unlawful. His team monitors social media for complaints and clarifies payment rules. While some buildings may have introduced fees, no official data shows how many have done so. The agency continues to address inquiries and ensure compliance with housing regulations.

The oversight agency has reiterated that management companies cannot impose disinfection fees without a vote. Residents concerned about unexpected charges can report issues to the State Housing and Construction Oversight Agency. The decision on additional services remains with homeowners through formal meetings.