Stavropol explained the procedure for returning money for poor-quality services
Many people faced the problem of poor-quality utilities: an untidy yard, a dirty entrance, repairs that should be included in the receipt, but require additional payment
Many faced the problem of poor-quality utilities: an untidy yard, a dirty entrance, repairs that should be included in the receipt, but require additional payment. In such cases, the management organization is obliged to make a recalculation. However, in practice, companies often offer not a refund, but a set-off against future payments.
According to the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Stavropol Territory, this is illegal. The overpayment must be returned to the owners directly.
Judicial practice consistently protects the rights of citizens.
Crediting recalculation against future periods is permissible only when adjusting the fee according to the indications of metering devices (paragraph 61 of the Rules for the provision of utilities approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 354).
In all other cases - with poor-quality maintenance of the house or unprovided services - the management company is obliged to return overpaid funds to the owner's account. This approach is confirmed by the decision of the Second Court of Cassation of General Jurisdiction in case No. 88-18165/2026.
If the management organization insists on a credit instead of a refund, the citizen has the right to:
The Ombudsman’s Office reminds: transparency and honesty in the housing sector is a legitimate right of citizens. Don’t let your money be held against the law.
