Increased water bills - disheartening news for Housing and Communities sector
In Russia, a proposed increase in water fees for apartment owners, particularly those without water meters, may lead to an increased financial burden for many residents. This change, if approved, would disproportionately impact households without meters, pushing their utility bills higher and increasing overall housing costs.
The proposed fees would be calculated based on normative (fixed) consumption norms rather than actual usage, which often results in paying more. Currently, Russians without water meters pay at increased norms, which are 50% higher than the norms for those with water meters. If the proposal is approved, those who have not installed water meters will have to pay double the current water fees.
This change comes amid a background of persistent inflation in Russia, with reported inflation at around 8.8% in July 2025, already elevating the cost of living. The increased water fees could significantly impact those who have been delaying the installation of water meters.
The Ministry of Construction has proposed this change to encourage the installation of water meters among the remaining apartment owners. The practice of increasing water fees for those who have not installed water meters has already been implemented in Moscow since 2023, with the water meter installation level in Moscow exceeding 90% due to this practice.
The proposal is still under consideration, and its final approval is uncertain. However, if it is approved, it could potentially urge more residents to install meters to control costs. For lower-income households or those unable to install meters, this change may aggravate affordability problems.
It's worth noting that 84% of Russians have installed cold water meters, and 87% have installed hot water meters. The stricter calculation method proposed could make housing services more expensive for those without water meters.
This proposal, reported by analyst Natalia Churkina of the Institute for Comprehensive Strategic Research, is based on federal sources. The proposed coefficient for those without water meters is increased from "1.5" to "3". The expansion of this practice nationwide is still under consideration.
In some cases, the proposed changes may be more beneficial for tenants than installing water meters. The increased fees could potentially encourage landlords to install water meters to pass the costs onto their tenants more fairly.
This news underscores the challenges faced by residents in regions with poor water supply or scarce access, such as occupied eastern Ukraine areas, where residents already struggle with high costs and low service quality. European data indicate that utility fees, including water, are a significant part of housing expenses, and price hikes directly affect monthly costs for residents.
In conclusion, the proposed water fee increase for non-metered apartments in Russia could lead to an increased financial burden for many residents, particularly those without water meters. The final approval of this proposal remains uncertain, but its potential impact on housing expenses and affordability is a concern for many Russian households.
The proposed water fee increase, based on normative consumption norms, could potentially impact the financial aspect of businesses and households in Russia, as those without water meters may have to pay double the current water fees. This change, if approved, could lead to a significant increase in utility bills for many residents, potentially aggravating their housing expenses and affordability issues.
The Ministry's proposal to increase the fees for those without water meters, while encouraging their installation, may also create a business opportunity for landlords, as the increased fees could incentivize them to install water meters and pass the costs onto their tenants more fairly.
