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In a recent development, residents of multi-family dwellings in Russia have discovered that they have been overcharged for common area heating due to malfunctioning heat meters. This issue, which is the responsibility of the managing company, highlights the importance of regular meter checks and proper maintenance.
When utility meters in multi-family buildings malfunction, haven't been calibrated, or readings haven't been submitted on time, charges are calculated based on norms. These norms are typically higher than actual consumption, leading to overpayments for common area maintenance.
To ensure that common area utility meters are functioning correctly, residents can take several practical steps. Firstly, reading the meters yourself is crucial. Learn how to accurately read analog, digital, or smart meters by following guides available online.
Secondly, check meter labeling and allocation. Utility meters in multi-family buildings are usually labeled or socketed indicating which unit or common area they serve. This helps ensure the meter actually measures the correct consumption.
Thirdly, compare meter readings to bills. Track meter readings regularly and compare them with billed consumption and charges. Discrepancies may suggest a problem such as malfunction or misallocation.
Fourthly, if meters are suspected faulty, residents or property managers can ask their utility for formal meter accuracy tests. For smart meters, utilities can perform remote diagnostics, update firmware, and test for faults without onsite visits.
Fifthly, some utilities or third-party providers use meter data management software tools to analyze meter data trends and perform bulk accuracy and status checks. This can help identify faulty meters in multi-unit settings.
Lastly, for thorough verification, residents can engage professionals who have access to appropriate testing equipment to verify meter accuracy and integrity.
According to the law, common area meters are part of the common property of a multi-family dwelling, and the managing company is responsible for their functionality. If a meter in the building is faulty or its calibration has expired, residents can request a recalculation. In cases where overpayments have occurred due to faulty common area meters, the managing company should compensate any damage caused to the residents.
This issue has already resulted in a court case, with one resident overpaying more than 7,000 rubles due to a malfunctioning heat meter. The court ruled in favor of the resident who filed a lawsuit against the managing company for the overcharge, as it was their fault.
In light of these developments, it is advisable for residents of multi-family dwellings to investigate any excessive common property maintenance charges (SODI) in their bills and to regularly check the functionality of their common area utility meters to avoid overpayments.
Investing in understanding personal-finance related matters, such as common area utility charges in multi-family dwellings, can lead to significant savings. Regularly reading and verifying the accuracy of common area meter readings can help prevent overpayments for housing-market expenses like heating. In cases where overpayments have occurred due to faulty common area meters, residents may seek recourse in the real-estate market or legal system, as demonstrated by the recent court case in Russia.
