Steps to demand snow clearance and lower utility bills
Since the start of the winter season, the State Housing Inspection (SHI) of the Samara Region has received 71 complaints from residents of Tolyatti regarding inadequate snow and ice removal. The main complaints concerned the cleaning of roofs and adjacent territories.
This information was announced at a meeting of the relevant commission of the Tolyatti City Duma by Yevgeny Chikun, head of the Central Department of the SHI. He noted that for most complaints, the violations have already been rectified, and the rest are being addressed.
«For inaction, managing companies face serious fines: up to 300,000 rubles (about $3,300 at current rates) for legal entities and up to 50,000 rubles (about $556) or disqualification for the head. In December, for example, »Management Company No. 1 of Tolyatti« at 43 Dzerzhinsky Street was fined,» the inspection representative reported.
The deputies, for their part, reminded what managing companies are required to do and how ordinary citizens can protect their rights.
The following standards are in effect:
Snow removal begins after 5 cm of precipitation has fallen;
Sidewalks and driveways must be cleared within 3–12 hours, including on weekends;
Roofs must be cleared of snow and ice in a timely manner.
«In case of untimely or poor-quality cleaning of the territory, residents have the right to demand from the managing company a recalculation of the payment for the maintenance of common property,» said Alexey Stepanov, deputy chairman of the Duma.
How to act in case of violations:
Document the fact (photo, video with date and time).
Contact the emergency dispatch service of your managing company.
If there is no response – file a complaint with the SHI of the Samara Region (through the «Gosuslugi» portal, «GIS Housing and Utilities» or directly) or with the city administration.
The city Duma noted that demanding a recalculation is not only a way to save money, but also an effective measure that directly affects the financial position of the managing company, encouraging it to perform its work quality.
Recall that this year, tariffs for housing and utility services will increase twice and by more than we thought.
